The Kanas City Chiefs have rightfully earned the shot at becoming the first team to three-peat but an impending issue remains.
The offseason has brought its tribes and tribulations and the Kansas City Chiefs have been forced to answer big questions.
General Manager Brett Veach was building for the 2024 season before they had even got their hands on their second successive Vince Lombardi Trophy.
The long-term future has been a crucial subject area for the Chiefs during the offseason with their tenure at Arrowhead Stadium looking unprecedented.
Kansas City Chiefs make hay in the NFL Draft with some promising picks
Despite the franchise eyeing up a potential fourth ring in six years, all eyes are looking to build a dynasty with legs for several years.
Moreover, the best place to source young talent is the emerging pool of low-risk rookies with major upside potential.
The Kansas City Chiefs stole the headlines by trading with the Buffalo Bills to snatch NFL Combine record-setter Xavier Worthy off the board.
However, the most important selection came on Day 2, a choice that could be the difference-maker between a three-peat or disappointment.
The front office selected BYU project Kinglsey Suamataia in round two with the #63 overall pick.
Andy Reid was desperate to have the offensive lineman whose raw talent and sky-high potential make for long-term success.
Suamataia has the chance to earn the right to start left tackle as Smith hits free agency
The Chiefs were forced to pick Suamataia because the starting left tackle Donovan Smith left in free agency and remains without a team in the summer break.
Smith was a rock protecting Patrick Mahomes’ blindside and the franchise needs to find a solution in training camp.
Rookie Wanya Morris stepped in for the veteran when he was injured in Week 13 to the remainder of the season.
Smith returned for the all-important playoffs but his reps were limited as expected. Morris struggled to fill the shoes left by the 30-year-old.
The Chiefs are looking at focusing on the younger talent to revitalize and provide much-needed protection for the blindside.
Ultimately, Morris and the second-round rookie will lock horns in training to earn the right to support the offensive line.
Why left tackle is a crucial position and the impact it has on the offense
Left tackle is the most important position of protection because it is the blindside, so Patrick Mahomes will not always see how the play is evolving, which could then lead to heavy sacks and potential injury.
Furthermore, the two-time MVP needs time in the pocket to throw deep in 2024. The Chiefs offense is fixated on throwing long with their talent on offense but they need time to get downfield.
This is where the offensive line is key and they will need to allow Mahomes as much time to let his targets charge downfield before making a game-changing play.
The rest of the offensive line is set in stone but the question mark at left tackle is one of the only real causes for concern in 2024.
