An ESPN analyst boldly claimed that no rookies will start on the Chiefs offensive line. Do you agree with their opinion?
Hello again everyone and welcome to another week of the ArrowChop! This is the column where we look at the positives/negatives of a certain Chiefs/NFL issue and look at both sides of the aisle. Then you, the readers, will come to your conclusions after I lay out the case. So sit back, relax, and enjoy as we break down this week’s hot topic.
Well, a bold take is sweeping the Chiefs’ waves this week as an ESPN analyst projects that none of the rookies drafted for the Chiefs’ offensive line will be starting in 2021. As we all know, the Chiefs heavily revamped their entire o-line with a trade, a few signings, and some draft choices. Those drafted choices included Oklahoma Center Creed Humphrey and Tennesse Guard Trey Smith.
Now, we all know there will be a battle between Blythe and Humphrey; however, many fans and analysts have him pinned as a starter. With that said, will any rookies start on the Chiefs’ offensive line ahead of 2021? Let’s break down both sides of the aisle and find out:
There will be a rookie starting on the offensive line
This side believes so as such:
Firstly, Humphrey has shown throughout his time in college that he is a premier pass blocker, and the stats show it. In 2,445 career snaps at Oklahoma spanning from 2018-2020, he allowed zero sacks, two QB hits, and 27 QB hurries. Usually, o-lineman that don’t allow sacks in their college careers pan out well in the NFL, don’t you agree?
The Chiefs need pass blocking; I believe everyone has reuttered the same story of how Mahomes ran for his life, time and again. Creed has allowed pressure on 2.3% of his pass-blocking snaps in his final three seasons at Oklahoma; moreover, he is accustomed to a pass-heavy offensive system that Andy Reid likes to run. If he performs well in camp, I don’t see why Humphrey wouldn’t start.
Secondly, Blythe could be moved as a guard, which would leave Humphrey as the starter. From 2018-2019, he played 31 games as the Rams right guard, playing a total of 2097 snaps. With Kyle Long being injured, they could easily move Blythe to guard as a precaution if they worry Long will get injured again or if he does get injured again. He’s shown that he’s been solid at it, so this wouldn’t be a bad idea.
Finally, the Chiefs are trying to limit sacks, and Blythe isn’t the best at that. Last season, Blythe allowed four sacks, which ranked him tied third amongst all centers. As stated earlier, Humphrey hasn’t allowed a sack in his college career. Who would you rather have? I’ve always felt like Blythe was a fall-back signing, and it shows here.
There won’t be a rookie starting on the offensive line
This side believes so as such:
Firstly, Trey Smith isn’t a likely starter this season. While he does have a shot, I see him as being backup for the time being. He spent a majority of the time at Tennessee as a left guard, which is where Joe Thuney is so that rules him out there. With Long signed and Tradif coming back from helping Canada with Covid, it is tough to see him have a shot at starting this season with RG being his best shot.
Secondly, the Chiefs could want a fully veteran offensive line to start the season, and Blythe brings that veteran presence in the interior area. After starting all 16 games last season, the Chiefs may want someone with NFL experience to start the season, and possibly the whole season if he pans out well. This is more of a hypothetical, but it still is a possibility.
Do you think a rookie will start on the Chiefs’ offensive line? Leave a comment down below to join the discussion, and be sure to follow me on Twitter @HunterStanton8 and @ArrowheadLive. Thanks for reading, and have a fantastic day.
