Chiefs just claimed total ownership of the NFL's interior line rankings

The results of ESPN's top ten list of interior offensive linemen point towards the Chiefs having the best interior unit in the NFL.

To help pass the time before training camp, ESPN is putting out top ten lists at all the different positions. The rankings are done by polling NFL executives, coaches, and scouts. We've already discussed Chris Jones' place in their defensive tackle rankings. This week, they put out their list of the top ten interior offensive linemen, and as expected, both Creed Humphrey and Trey Smith made an appearance.

Last year, the Chiefs had three players make the top ten, with Joe Thuney ranking 4th, Humphrey 7th, and Smith at 9th. With Joe Thuney being traded to the Bears, the Chiefs weren't able to get three on the list this time around. However, with Thuney making the list again this year at #6, it does point to just how good KC's interior was last year.

Where did the Chiefs Creed Humphrey and Trey Smith finish this year?

While Creed Humphrey and Trey Smith finished in the back half of the top ten last season, they moved up significantly this year. After finishing 7th last year, Creed was voted the best interior offensive lineman in the NFL by league executives, coaches, and scouts. While his ranking in the NFL Top 100 list was a little insulting, ESPN recognizes what all Chiefs fans know: Creed is good.

Another interesting note is that Smith moved up from 9th last year to 4th this year. So, K.C. finished with two of the top four interior offensive linemen in the league. It's also worth noting that Smith leapfrogged Joe Thuney this year. This is exactly why the Chiefs opted to trade away the talented Thuney—so they could lock up the ascending talent in Smith.

As I'm writing this, Smith is slated to play on the franchise tag this season, but rumors are swirling that a long-term deal could get done before Tuesday's deadline (and could reset the contract market for offensive guards).

Whether it is before the Tuesday deadline or after the season, the Chiefs need to get a long-term deal done to really make the Thuney trade a complete win. That having been said, getting one done sooner would definitely be preferable.

Regardless of Smith's contract status, the Chiefs (and former Chiefs) dominated ESPN's interior offensive line rankings, and Chiefs fans should feel good about that. Now they just need Kingsley Suamataia to step up and fill the open left guard spot, and they should be set on the interior for a long time to come. That's good news for a team whose success is directly tied to Patrick Mahomes being able to stand in the pocket and deliver the football.

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