Why are the Chiefs letting a rookie OT protect Patrick Mahomes' blind side?

The Kansas City Chiefs are banking on rookie left tackle Kingsley Suamataia protecting quarterback Patrick Mahomes' blind side. The BYU product's exceptional athleticism could help him excel.

Per Jesse Newell of The Kansas City Star, BYU director of sports science and innovation Skyler Mayne said the 6-foot-4, 326-pounder clocked 21 mph during a 35-yard dash in 2022. Typically, Mayne's fastest O-lineman hit 19 mph.

Mayne added he believes that Suamataia could also let Chiefs head coach Andy Reid open up his playbook.

"I wouldn't be shocked if they throw him the ball. Like he has good ball skills. He has good footwork," Mayne told Newell. "Knowing Andy and those guys, I don't know what they'll come up with, but heck, put him in a fullback position, have him lead block on goal line. He could really do what you need him to do."

In a Sunday news conference , Reid indicated he has confidence in the 21-year-old after an impressive preseason. Per Pro Football Focus, he posted a solid 82.8 pass-blocking grade on 22-pass blocking snaps.

Suamataia is set to face his first test in the Chiefs' season opener against the Ravens on Thursday. Baltimore ranked first in the league in sacks (60) last season. He doesn't seem intimated, though.

"[The Ravens] are a physical team," Suamataia said Sunday, per Aaron Ladd of KSHB-TV in Kansas City. "They like playing the bully ball. But you've got to just play bully back...be the bigger bully to them."

The Chiefs have struggled to solidify left tackle in recent years. According to Kevin Patra of NFL.com, Suamataia will be the fourth left tackle to start for K.C. on opening day since 2018. (The others were Eric Fisher, Orlando Brown Jr. and Donovan Smith.)

Perhaps the second-round pick will become the staple the Chiefs clearly need.