Chiefs' Hidden Gem Rookie Kahlil Benson Could Bench Veteran Jaylon Moore
Published · Updated
Cited: Yahoo Sports, KC Kingdom, Heavy.com
TL;DR
Undrafted rookie Kahlil Benson's stellar debut may push veteran Jaylon Moore to the bench when Josh Simmons returns, giving the Chiefs a young, promising tackle.
Why now
With Patrick Mahomes returning from an ACL injury and the offensive line in flux, Benson's emergence provides immediate stability and a long-term answer at a critical position.
Agree / conflict
Agree: Benson's tape warrants a starting role. Conflict: Some argue it's too early to bench a veteran with a proven track record; Moore's versatility is valuable for depth.
Takeaway
The Chiefs should start Benson once Simmons returns to evaluate his long-term potential, rather than defaulting to the veteran.
The Kansas City Chiefs may have unearthed a hidden gem in undrafted rookie offensive tackle Kahlil Benson. Pressed into duty when starter Josh Simmons suffered a back injury, Benson allowed just one pressure in 32 pass-blocking snaps in his first NFL start—the fewest among all rookie offensive tackles in Week 1, outperforming three first-round picks. His steady play helped running back Kenneth Walker III post a career-high in rushing yards.
Now, with Simmons expected back soon, analysts predict Benson could retain the starting job by shifting to right tackle and unseating veteran Jaylon Moore. SI.com's Joshua Schulman called Benson a 'hidden gem' and noted the Chiefs would be 'settling' by sticking with Moore. The team appears inclined to give Benson a longer look, which would provide Patrick Mahomes—returning from an ACL tear—with a young, athletic blindside protector for years to come.
FAQ
Who is Kahlil Benson?
Kahlil Benson is an undrafted rookie offensive tackle out of Indiana. He played a key role in the Hoosiers' national championship run and joined the Chiefs as a tryout player before making the 53-man roster.
Why would the Chiefs bench Jaylon Moore?
Jaylon Moore is a veteran swing tackle whose contract ends after this season. Analysts believe the Chiefs would be 'settling' by keeping him in the starting lineup, while Benson offers higher long-term upside as a potential starter.
What happened to Josh Simmons?
Starting left tackle Josh Simmons is dealing with a back injury that has kept him out of games. The team has not provided a specific timeline for his return.
How did Benson perform in his first start?
Benson allowed just one pressure in 32 pass-blocking snaps against the Broncos, the best performance among all rookie offensive tackles in Week 1, despite facing a tough pass rusher.
Is Patrick Mahomes fully recovered from his ACL injury?
Mahomes stated he feels 100% and has built up his strength through rehab. He returned for Week 1 against the Broncos on the nine-month anniversary of the injury.
Sources
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