The Chiefs’ left tackle battle is getting messier by the day, and the latest preseason outing did not help Kahlil Benson’s case.
Kansas City has spent camp trying to sort out the spot, but the undrafted rookie from Indiana took a hit in Saturday’s game. ESPN’s Nate Taylor reported that Benson’s performance was “quite disappointing,” pointing to a rough night in pass protection that included quick pressure allowed to rookie Rueben Bain Jr. and a strip-sack by outside linebacker Anthony Nelson.
“The team invested most of training camp in preparing Kahlil Benson, the undrafted rookie from Indiana,” Taylor wrote via ESPN. “Benson's performance Saturday, however, was quite disappointing.
He struggled in pass protection, surrendering quick pressure to rookie Rueben Bain Jr. and a strip-sack to outside linebacker Anthony Nelson. At this point, the Chiefs likely move Benson to guard, where he played much better against the Los Angeles Rams last week.
Jaylon Moore, a five-year veteran, hasn't been impressive, either. But Moore is likely the Chiefs' most ideal option.
The only other possibility is Esa Pole, a second-year player who took snaps Saturday at left tackle with the second-team offense.”
That leaves Andy Reid with a difficult call as the preseason winds down. Benson may slide to guard, which would put Jaylon Moore in line as the most likely answer at left tackle, even if Moore has not exactly seized the job himself. The only other name in the mix, according to Taylor, is Esa Pole, who worked at left tackle with the second-team offense on Saturday.
The timing adds more pressure to the situation. The Chiefs have already dropped both of their preseason games and have one more exhibition left at home against the Seattle Seahawks before opening the regular season on Sept. 14 against the Denver Broncos at home.
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