Chiefs Turn to Undrafted Rookie Kahlil Benson to Protect Patrick Mahomes in Week 1

As the Kansas City Chiefs prepare for Monday night’s season opener against the Denver Broncos, all eyes are on the return of superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who is set to take the field for the first time since suffering a torn ACL in Week 15 of last season. But according to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, Mahomes’ blindside will be protected by an unlikely hero: undrafted rookie offensive tackle Kahlil Benson. With 2025 first-round pick Josh Simmons ruled out due to a lower back injury, Benson is expected to start at left tackle, marking a remarkable ascent for a player who just months ago was fighting for a roster spot.

A Rookie Thrust into the Spotlight

Benson’s journey to this moment is nothing short of extraordinary. After spending four seasons at Indiana, a brief stint at Colorado, and a final year back at Indiana where he started 12 games at right tackle for the College Football Playoff champion Hoosiers, Benson went undrafted. He received an invite to the Chiefs’ rookie minicamp—one of 104 players—and impressed enough to sign a contract. Now, he finds himself tasked with protecting the most important player on the field in his NFL debut. According to ESPN, Benson will become the first undrafted rookie to start for an Andy Reid-led offense in Kansas City, a testament to both his talent and the team’s faith in him.

Reid’s Confidence and the Stakes Ahead

Head coach Andy Reid expressed confidence in Benson, telling reporters, “He’s done a nice job for us. He’s obviously shown us that he has the ability to play. We wouldn’t put him in there if we didn’t think that.” Reid added, “I want his confidence to be that and go out and play and just use his abilities.” The stakes couldn’t be higher: Mahomes is returning from a major injury, and left tackle is widely considered the most critical position on the offensive line. Benson, who worked mostly at right tackle during training camp, will flip to the left side, while Jaylon Moore will start at right tackle.

Earning Respect in the Locker Room

Benson’s teammates have taken notice of his work ethic and determination. Right guard Trey Smith praised him last month, saying, “Kahlil has been hungry since day one, eager to learn. He works extremely hard and he’s a strong man. I think he has a real aspiration, a real want to be great.” That hunger will be tested immediately against a Broncos defense eager to spoil the Chiefs’ opener. For Benson, it’s a chance to prove he belongs, and for the Chiefs, it’s a leap of faith in an unproven player at a pivotal moment.

The Bigger Picture for Kansas City

This development is just the latest chapter in the Chiefs’ quest to orchestrate the second act of their dynasty. With Mahomes back under center and a revamped offensive line, Kansas City remains a Super Bowl contender. But questions linger about depth and health, especially with Simmons already sidelined. Benson’s performance could go a long way in determining how smoothly Mahomes transitions back to game action. As highlighted on Vulius, the Chiefs’ ability to develop undrafted talent has been a hallmark of the Reid era, and Benson is the next in line to potentially make a name for himself.

What to Watch on Monday Night

All eyes will be on Benson as he lines up opposite Denver’s pass rushers. Can he hold up in pass protection? Will Mahomes have enough time to operate? The answers will shape the early narrative of the Chiefs’ season. For Benson, it’s a dream opportunity—one he’s worked tirelessly to earn. For Kansas City, it’s a calculated risk that could pay off big. As the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk will be watching, the story of an undrafted rookie protecting a future Hall of Famer is exactly the kind of drama that makes the NFL so compelling.