The Kansas City Chiefs spent big this offseason trying to punch their way back into the Super Bowl picture, headlined by a three-year, $43.05 million deal for running back Kenneth Walker III. But through the first week of training camp, an undrafted rookie right tackle is stealing just as much attention.
Kahlil Benson, who signed with Kansas City after going unpicked in this year’s draft out of Indiana, has taken over first-team reps at right tackle. He’s not just holding a roster spot. He’s pushing out a player the Chiefs are paying real money to start.
Benson Turning Heads, Including Kenneth Walker’s
According to ESPN’s Nate Taylor, Benson took every first-team rep at right tackle during Tuesday’s practice and didn’t lose a single one over five 11-on-11 reps in the final period. Walker, who lines up right behind him in the backfield, has taken notice.
“He’s done great,” Walker said of Benson. “We’ve got pads on now and you get to see how well he’s doing out there. He’s going to have a great impact on this team.”
Pads changed the tenor of camp. Before Monday, practices were largely non-contact. Once the hitting started, Benson kept winning reps against established players, including star pass rusher Chris Jones and second-round rookie edge R Mason Thomas.
The Right Tackle Battle Behind the Scenes
Jaylon Moore signed with Kansas City last spring on a two-year, $30 million contract after four seasons as a backup in San Francisco. He entered this camp as the presumed starter on the right side, with 2025 first-round pick Josh Simmons locked in at left tackle protecting Patrick Mahomes’ blind side.
That presumption is now in doubt. Benson has taken the bulk of first-team right tackle reps through the first week, and Moore has been rotating in with the second unit rather than the other way around. Center Creed Humphrey, who anchors the line next to whoever wins the job, has been effusive about Benson’s habits away from the field as much as his play on it, praising his preparation and technical skill in every meeting and walkthrough.
Andy Reid isn’t ready to hand Benson anything, but he’s not hiding his respect for the rookie’s start, either.
“We’ll give you a chance here to learn, but if you start making mistakes consistently, then we’ve got a problem,” Reid said of Benson. “But he’s been doing a good job. There’s a hiccup here or there, but he fixes them normally.”
Reid has also framed the competition as wide open rather than decided, noting that both linemen bring something to the table and that Kansas City will need both regardless of who starts.
Why It Matters for Mahomes and Walker
This battle carries weight beyond one roster spot. Mahomes is working back from injury, and every rep Kansas City’s offensive line gives up matters more this season than in years past. Whoever wins right tackle will also be tasked with springing running lanes for Walker, whose $43 million investment was built on the promise of an explosive downhill running game the Chiefs lacked a season ago.
Benson’s game so far leans on power in the run game — he’s shown the ability to execute down-blocks and create movement at the point of attack, the exact skill set Kansas City needs to get Walker untouched to the second level. If he can pair that with cleaner pass-set technique against speed rushers, the argument for starting him as a rookie only gets stronger.
| Player | Contract | Camp Reps at RT (First Team) |
|---|---|---|
| Kahlil Benson | UDFA, rookie-minimum deal | Majority through five practices |
| Jaylon Moore | 2 years, $30 million | Rotating with second team |
Training camp continues at Missouri Western State University, with the preseason opener set for the week of Aug. 13. Reid and offensive line coach Andy Heck have both indicated the competition will play out through padded practices and preseason snaps rather than being settled on reputation or paycheck.
