One veteran Chiefs offensive lineman is helping the team's rookie second-round draft pick get acclimated with things in Kansas City.
Chiefs rookie LT Kingsley Suamataia revealed to media members on Wednesday that while he views all of his vets as mentors, one player stood out above the rest. That player is none other than the team's fourth-year starter at right guard, Trey Smith. Suamataia already regards Smith as a big brother in that sense.
"I think all of them, but I think a 'big older brother' that I've been looking up to since I've been here is probably Trey," Suamataia said. "Trey Smith. He's been an amazing role model for me since I've been here. And he's just very vocal and he loves the game. So, I don't think (there is) anybody (better) to learn from than by one of the best guards in the league."
This shouldn't come as a major surprise, especially after seeing Smith down in Frisco, TX leading young players in breakout sessions at the annual OL Masterminds summit. Smith is a student of the game and it's clear that he's trying to spread his wealth of knowledge not just with the next generation around the league, but also amongst his teammates.
It doesn't matter that Suamataia was a second-round pick and Smith was a sixth-round pick. It doesn't matter that they play different positions either. Suamataia seems receptive to learning from "one of the best guards in the league." Why, though? Well, Smith will certainly help the rookie with his physicality and mastery of the run game, which are both areas where he could use improvement coming out of college football.
There's also something to be said about Smith's mastery of the playbook. Suamataia identified that as one of the biggest challenges ahead of him at training camp, learning every last detail of the playbook.
"We’re all talented guys," Suamataia said. "I mean, that’s why you’re in the league (and) in the NFL, but it’s who’s going to put that foot forward and dive into the playbook more and really know the offense inside and out."
The offensive line is only as good as its weakest link, so even in a contract year like the 2024 NFL season, it behooves a veteran like Smith to help push Suamataia toward a successful rookie season.
