For the better part of Andy Reid’s tenure as Head Coach in Kansas City, the Chiefs offensive line has consisted of (mostly) veteran players. While that’s not to say Kansas City hasn’t started a rookie or two (they have) during Big Red’s time in Kansas City, nor that Reid prefers not to start rookie o-linemen during the regular season.
But going into the 2021 season, the Chiefs find themselves in a unique opportunity, where they could start as many as three rookie offensive linemen.
“The young guys have done a nice job,” said Reid following Kansas City practice on Saturday. “They’ve stepped up, I thought. They’ve been working their tail off. It’s been a good exercise with very few mistakes. So you look at that now, that becomes important.”
One minor detail that has gone unnoticed during Kansas City’s 11-on-11 practices is young guys like center Creed Humphrey, guard Trey Smith, and tackle Lucas Niang, are taking reps against veteran defensive linemen – Chris Jones and Frank Clark for instance – which is something, as Reid noted to reporters, will go along the way going forward.
“The great part is that with the young linemen, the defensive line helps them out,” Reid said. “Those veteran d-linemen help them out by talking to them on certain things. And the veteran offensive linemen help them out.”
In regards to last year’s late-round draft pick Lucas Niang, who opted out of the 2020 season, many questions have spiraled around what kind of shape the second-year rookie would be in if he’d be ready for the 2021 NFL campaign.
Well, Reid had some high praise for the former TCU Horned Frog, who ran with the first team to replace Mike Remmers, who reportedly missed Saturday’s practice due to back spasms.
“He’s in great shape right now,” said Reid. “He worked his tail off this offseason and came back early. He and Thuney were in there every day working. It’s showing out here. He’s doing a nice job so far.”
While having as much experience on the o-line is always a plus, Reid told reporters he’s not at all opposed to starting first-year players.
“Listen, I’ve started a number of rookies in there,” he reminded reporters. “They’ve done a good job. Sure… you’d like to have experience. But again, I’ve had success with rookies, too. So it’s kind of individually based — how they step up and communicate — and how willing the veteran players are to share [their experiences] with them.”
Does Reid’s praise guarantee all three rookies will be protecting Patrick Mahomes? Of course not. Besides, Saturday was only Day 4 of training camp and the pads haven’t even come on yet.
However, if Humphrey, Smith, and Niang continue to receive reps with the ones and do well, it’s inevitable to eventually catch the coaching staff’s eyes. If that happens, starting three rookies will have to at least be on the docket for consideration.
