An improbable story is playing out on the offensive line at Chiefs training camp.
Kahlil Benson started 12 games at right tackle for Indiana during their run to the national title last year, but went undrafted in April. He earned a roster spot with the Chiefs after a tryout at their rookie minicamp and has impressed enough to take all the first-team reps at right tackle over the last two days of practice.
Pete Sweeney of the Kansas City Star notes that Benson has taken the majority of those reps since camp opened and he’s now got an inside track to join left tackle Josh Simmons as a starter up front.
“I think Kahlil is doing a great job. I think he’s a very physical player. I think he should just add on to that,” Simmons said, via Brett Kennedy of KQTV. “I think you can’t really teach effort. I mean that’s what he’s giving out there, so that’s really all I’m telling him right now is keep doing that effort.”
Jaylon Moore was expected to be the top choice at right tackle in Kansas City this season, but Benson now has momentum and continued success in the preseason could make him one of the league’s unlikeliest starters in Week 1.
