Kansas City Chiefs sophomore offensive tackle Wanya Morris appears primed for a breakout season. Morris is slated to protect franchise quarterback Patrick Mahomes' blind side in 2024. General manager Brett Veach is placing faith in his second-year player.
Morris was drafted with the No. 92 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft. He was immediately earmarked as a long-term solution at a big position of need. Morris' time to establish himself in Kansas City's starting lineup has now arrived.
Morris spent the majority of his rookie campaign sitting and learning behind veteran left tackle Donovan Smith. Smith was signed to a one-year contract ahead of the 2023 season following his release from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Chiefs pounced on his availability after letting Orlando Brown Jr. leave in free agency.
A 2015 second-rounder, Smith showed his age throughout the 2023 season. Pro Football Focus credited him with allowing 42 quarterback pressures. He struggled as a run defender en route to a lackluster grade of 45.1 in that department. Smith was also whistled for nine penalties while playing an uncharacteristic brand of undisciplined football.
The Chiefs have not shown interest in re-signing Smith this summer. Instead, they’ll pivot to Morris, a player they believe is ready to seize the opportunity.
Morris first saw extended action against the Green Bay Packers in Week 13 after Smith exited the game with a neck injury. Smith's injury sidelined him for the remaining portion of the regular season. Morris made his debut start against the Buffalo Bills in Week 14 and started the next handful of contests as well.
Morris was outstanding versus the Packers despite coming off the bench. PFF assigned him a pass protection grade of 73.4, as he was credited with allowing just one quarterback pressure. He appeared in 66 total offensive snaps in his first career start, surrendering just five pressures and zero sacks against a talented and deep Bills defensive front.
From there, Morris encountered some typical up-and-down rookie struggles. He allowed 10 pressures versus the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 16, but bounced back with arguably his best performance against the Cincinnati Bengals the following week, earning a season-high pass-pro grade of 74.9.
Though the Chiefs are entrusting Morris, they did draft an offensive tackle in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Veach drafted BYU tackle Kingsley Suamataia with the No. 63 overall selection. Suamataia is comfortable playing both sides, having played right tackle in 2022 before moving to the left in 2023. That versatility creates wiggle room for Suamataia to be the solution at either position. The rookie could be a replacement left tackle if he acclimates quickly while Morris struggles. Or if starting right tackle Jawaan Taylor doesn't improve after being whistled for a position-high 20 penalties last season, he could be moved next offseason with Morris and Suamataia becoming Kansas City's bookends.
Morris flashed promise as a rookie. The former Oklahoma standout is the heavy favorite to begin the 2024 campaign at left tackle. All indications are that Morris is headed for a breakout campaign.
