Chiefs set to start a rookie at left tackle. Here’s what coaches thought of his debut

The Kansas City Chiefs’ most intriguing roster battle heading into training camp appears to have an early resolution.

Rookie Kingsley Suamataia, whom the Chiefs traded up to select in the second round of April’s draft, has been with the first-team offense for every padded practice.

His hold on the starting job only appeared to be solidified based on his usage in Saturday’s first preseason game. Suamataia played just six snaps, then subbed out after the first drive with the rest of the team’s projected offensive starters.

“I like where he’s at,” Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy said Tuesday. “It’s going to be growth with him every day.”

Suamataia seemed to hold up fine in his limited usage. He posted KC’s second-highest pass block grade, according to Pro Football Focus data, while also taking on a talented opponent in Jacksonville’s Josh Hines-Allen, a Pro Bowl selection last season.

“I thought he did a nice job in there,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said of Suamataia on Monday. “His feet, his sets were good. He was aggressive. I thought for the short time that he was in, he did a nice job.”

The experience also boosted the confidence of the 21-year-old Suamataia, who said he told himself at one point during the game, “OK, I belong here. I can play with these guys.”

“I only got to play a little bit, for the first drive, but shoot, if I get more reps, you’re gonna see more of an animal just coming out there, flying around to the ball,” Suamataia said Tuesday. “Be around the ball a lot. Just have fun out there at the end of the day.”

One key to Suamataia’s continued rise has been his commitment to learning the playbook. He said he’s begun a habit of studying right before bed and also as soon as he wakes up.

“Just having that refresh in my mind,” Suamataia said, “so I can just go out there and play loose and free.”

It’s worth noting that Suamataia’s main competitor for the left tackle spot hasn’t had a chance to make up ground lately because of injury. Second-year player Wanya Morris left practice last week with a right knee injury, and for precautionary reasons, he did not suit up for Saturday’s game against the Jaguars.

However, Suamataia was winning the battle before that, with the rookie saying Tuesday he feels “comfortable” in his current situation.

“I love being out here, grinding again with all my teammates, growing that bond — defensive side of the ball and with the offensive guys,” Suamataia said. “So it’s really great. It’s a big family, so I love it.”

Suamataia’s next test will be Saturday when the Chiefs host the Detroit Lions for KC’s second preseason game. If history is any indication, Reid will play his offensive starters a quarter — or more — in this second tuneup.

Reid said he’d be interested in seeing Suamataia with more game reps following his effort against Jacksonville.

“It was a good start for him. He’s got to obviously build on it, the more time he gets and so on,” Reid said. “But I thought it was a very productive start.”