Kansas City Chiefs offensive line coach Andy Heck spoke with reporters after practice on Wednesday at Missouri Western State University. He praised undrafted free agent rookie offensive lineman Kahlil Benson's development at training camp, noting he has quickly become a trusted member of the unit.
"I think you're right. It's a great story, and our scouts did a great job bringing him in. Right away, you could see in our rookie minicamp that he had dominant physical traits," said Heck. "So, we're doing our best to train him at a couple of positions, give him an opportunity to grow, learn our system, learn a couple of positions. He's done a great job; he's working his tail off."
The recent injury to Pro Bowl guard Trey Smith has opened the door for Benson to see more time in his place during the preseason. Heck is using Smith's recovery as an opportunity to see Benson's potential aside from the tackle position.
"Absolutely, the number one benefit is for him, as a tackle primarily, probably his best position, he's a guy that will only add to his value if he can play guard." said Heck, "So, with Trey (Smith) missing some time, that's a great opportunity to give a guy some training for those days that, hey, I may want to (or) need to plug him in there to find our best combination. So, it only benefits him."
Benson wasn't selected in the 2026 NFL Draft but was a member of the Indiana Hoosiers' 2025 CFP National Championship roster. He saw action in 49 games in college, splitting stints at Indiana (2022-2023, 2025) and with the Colorado Buffaloes (2024).
#smith
"I think you're right. It's a great story, and our scouts did a great job bringing him in. Right away, you could see in our rookie minicamp that he had dominant physical traits," said Heck. "So, we're doing our best to train him at a couple of positions, give him an opportunity to grow, learn our system, learn a couple of positions. He's done a great job; he's working his tail off."
The recent injury to Pro Bowl guard Trey Smith has opened the door for Benson to see more time in his place during the preseason. Heck is using Smith's recovery as an opportunity to see Benson's potential aside from the tackle position.
"Absolutely, the number one benefit is for him, as a tackle primarily, probably his best position, he's a guy that will only add to his value if he can play guard." said Heck, "So, with Trey (Smith) missing some time, that's a great opportunity to give a guy some training for those days that, hey, I may want to (or) need to plug him in there to find our best combination. So, it only benefits him."
Benson wasn't selected in the 2026 NFL Draft but was a member of the Indiana Hoosiers' 2025 CFP National Championship roster. He saw action in 49 games in college, splitting stints at Indiana (2022-2023, 2025) and with the Colorado Buffaloes (2024).
#smith
5 days ago
