Kahlil Benson, an undrafted rookie, is already standing guard as the starting left tackle for the Kansas City Chiefs, protecting Patrick Mahomes’ blindside. This guy wasn’t even drafted, yet he’s stepped up and hasn’t allowed a single sack through his first two NFL career starts. Yeah, you read that right.
From College Battles to the Bright Lights
Let’s rewind this flick. Benson, straight out of Mississippi, was a big-time recruit in 2020, fielding offers from powerhouses like LSU, Ole Miss, and Tennessee. He actually chose Indiana over Mississippi State on National Signing Day. But then, true freshman year hit him hard with a knee injury in fall camp 2020, sidelining him for the entire season and a chunk of the next. He battled back though, starting 17 games at right guard and right tackle for the Hoosiers over the next two seasons. Then came the transfer portal jump, heading to Colorado to play for Deion Sanders when Tom Allen got ousted from Indiana. Another setback? Only four starts at right guard because of injury. But you can’t keep a good lineman down, because Indiana’s head coach Curt Cignetti actually welcomed him back to Bloomington. Benson even played in some absolutely high-leverage games during Indiana’s College Football Playoff run.
Coming out of college, his size and sheer play strength were never in question. This dude held his own against giants like Oregon and Ohio State. The questions scouts had were about his hand placement, block retention, and if he had the foot quickness and flexibility to mirror those elite rushers. He definitely had enough raw traits to be a developmental pick, but that injury history? That’s what scared teams away, leaving him undrafted. Can you imagine?
The Door Swings Open for Benson
How does an undrafted guy end up starting left tackle for a Super Bowl contender, protecting the face of the NFL? Well, sometimes opportunity just slams into you. The Chiefs shook up their offensive line by releasing veteran Jawaan Taylor and trading away reserve offensive tackle Wanya Morris. That was supposed to pave the way for veteran Jaylon Moore to lock down a starting spot. The original plan had former first-round pick Josh Simmons as the left tackle, but he missed nine games last season under some mysterious circumstances. Then, before this season even kicked off, the Chiefs dropped the news: Simmons was out with a back injury. BOOM. Enter Kahlil Benson.
He wasn’t even supposed to be a left tackle. Benson was cross-training at right guard and right tackle during training camp, competing for the right tackle job. But when “Sunday Night Football” rolled around and the Chiefs were facing the Colts, Benson was out there, holding it down exactly where Simmons was supposed to be. In Week 1, sure, there were some technical things he needed to clean up, but his main job is to put his body between the defender and the quarterback. And he absolutely did it. No sacks given up. Zero.
This season is just getting started, but an undrafted rookie stepping in and performing at this level for a 2-0 team? That’s a story you don’t want to miss. Keep your eyes on Benson; he’s proving everyone wrong, one blocked rush at a time.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
Leave a Reply