Khalil Benson’s Rapid Rise Adds Real Competition at Chiefs Right Tackle

The Kansas City Chiefs entered the offseason with a clear plan at most spots along the offensive line, but one position has quickly become far more interesting than anticipated. At right tackle, what many assumed would be a straightforward transition for Jaylen Moore has turned into a legitimate competition featuring multiple players earning meaningful reps during mandatory mini-camp. The most surprising name in that group is undrafted free agent Khalil Benson, whose rapid ascent from rookie tryout participant to practicing with the starting unit has created genuine intrigue.

Benson’s path to this point is the kind of underdog story that resonates in NFL locker rooms. He was not invited to the NFL Combine and did not receive an undrafted free agent contract immediately after the draft. Instead, he participated in the Chiefs’ rookie mini-camp on a tryout basis. His performance there was strong enough for the team to sign him, and less than a month later he was taking reps with the first-team offense during mandatory mini-camp. That kind of acceleration is rare and speaks to both his physical tools and the coaching staff’s willingness to evaluate talent regardless of draft status.

Measurables tell part of the story. At his pro day, Benson measured just under 6-foot-6 and over 320 pounds, with 34 and 7/8-inch arms that provide the length many teams value at tackle. Athletically, he posted a broad jump exceeding nine feet and showed decent long speed just over five seconds in the 40-yard dash. While his 10-yard split was not elite, it was functional for his size. In agility drills, he was slightly below recent combine averages in the short shuttle and three-cone, but above average in most other testing categories. Those traits align with the type of athletic offensive lineman the Chiefs have targeted in recent years — players who can fit a wide-zone scheme that requires movement and space creation.

One scout who evaluated Benson during the pre-draft process gave him a preliminary grade that was borderline draftable. The focus at the time had been on a teammate, so the evaluation was not exhaustive. Still, the early returns suggested potential rather than a finished product. Film study revealed areas of concern, particularly getting beat by speed off the edge and showing limitations in lateral agility. Those same notes suggested he might profile better at guard long-term. Yet the Chiefs have given him an opportunity at tackle, which indicates they see traits worth developing in that specific role.

The right tackle position itself has become a focal point because the rest of the offensive line looks relatively settled. Left tackle Josh Simmons has shown impressive physical development and is adding weight with the goal of reaching 300 pounds by the start of the season. Left guard Kingsley has shown steady improvement in his second year at the position. Creed Humphrey remains one of the best centers in football. Right guard Trey Smith continues to anchor the interior with strength and consistency. That stability in the middle three spots gives the coaching staff the freedom to evaluate options at right tackle without immediate pressure.

Jaylen Moore remains the frontrunner to start based on his experience and the investment the team has already made in him. However, he is no longer the only player receiving meaningful looks. Esa Pole has worked at right tackle and could serve as a swing option. Jason Chu Godri, the International Pathway player, has also earned reps. Ethan Driscoll has been mentioned in the mix as well. Benson’s inclusion in that group has added another layer of competition that few expected after the Chiefs opted not to draft an offensive tackle despite some external projections.

The organization’s approach to offensive line building has long emphasized athletic traits that fit their scheme. They have shown a willingness to sign and develop undrafted players who possess the movement skills and length to contribute, even if they require refinement. Benson fits that mold. The question is whether he can accelerate his learning curve enough to push for a roster spot and potentially more. Offensive line play at the NFL level rewards technique and experience, but raw athletic tools provide the foundation. Benson’s national championship background at Indiana suggests he has competed at a high level and understands what it takes to win in a structured environment.

When the pads come on in training camp, the evaluation will become significantly more telling. Mini-camp and OTAs provide valuable information about movement skills, assignment understanding, and how players interact with teammates, but live contact changes everything for offensive linemen. The player who can consistently win one-on-one battles, maintain leverage, and execute the scheme under pressure will separate himself. Benson’s ability to handle speed rushers and improve his lateral quickness will be closely watched. His length gives him a chance to recover in certain situations, but technique will ultimately determine how often he wins.

The Chiefs are expected to keep four tackles on the 53-man roster. Simmons and Moore appear locked in. Esa Pole is currently viewed as the most likely third option. That leaves a battle for the fourth spot among Benson, Driscoll, Chu Godri, and potentially others. Some players may land on the practice squad, where continued development remains possible. The organization has a track record of finding contributors from that group, which adds another dimension to how they allocate reps during camp.

What makes Benson’s situation particularly compelling is the broader context of the position. After choosing not to select an offensive tackle in the draft, the Chiefs are now evaluating multiple internal options with real urgency. This is not a situation where they are simply going through the motions. Reps next to established starters like Trey Smith carry weight. Those opportunities are given to players who have shown something that warrants further evaluation. Benson has clearly done enough in a short window to earn that look.

The timeline for clarity is straightforward but important. The remainder of mini-camp and the weeks leading into training camp will provide additional data points through practice observations and coaching feedback. Once pads are on and the team begins installing more complex schemes, the hierarchy at right tackle should begin to clarify. The player who earns consistent first-team reps and shows the ability to hold up in live situations will have the inside track. Others may settle into backup or developmental roles.

For Chiefs Kingdom, this development adds a layer of excitement to a position that had appeared relatively quiet. The interior offensive line provides a strong foundation. The right tackle spot now features legitimate competition and an underdog story in Benson that could produce either a pleasant surprise or valuable depth. Either outcome strengthens the group.

The organization’s willingness to give an undrafted player this kind of opportunity reflects confidence in their evaluation process and scheme fit. Benson’s athletic profile, championship experience, and early camp performance have earned him a chance. What he does with that opportunity when the real work begins in training camp will determine whether his arrival represents a minor footnote or the start of something more meaningful along the offensive line.

The coming weeks will provide answers. Until then, the conversation around right tackle has gained legitimate intrigue, and one undrafted rookie has already made an impression simply by earning the right to compete.