Undrafted Rookie Kahlil Benson Poised to Take Chiefs' Starting Right Tackle Job

Kansas City Chiefs undrafted rookie free agent Kahlil Benson has emerged as the frontrunner to claim the team's starting right tackle position during training camp at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, Missouri. Following the team's seventh full-squad practice, Benson took all first-team starter repetitions at right tackle for the second consecutive day, surpassing veteran offensive lineman Jaylon Moore on the depth chart. Benson originally signed with the Chiefs on May 4 following the conclusion of the 2026 NFL Draft. Benson played college football across multiple programs, starting his career with the Indiana Hoosiers, transferring to the Colorado Buffaloes for the 2024 season, and returning to Indiana for their 2025 campaign, which culminated in a College Football Playoff National Championship. Despite going unselected in the 2026 NFL Draft, the 6-foot-6, 319-pound offensive lineman quickly established himself during Kansas City's offseason workouts and training camp. Chiefs starting left tackle Josh Simmons evaluated Benson's performance during camp practices. "I think Kahlil is doing a great job," Simmons said via KQTV. "I think he's a very physical player. I think he should just add on to that. I think you can't really teach effort." Senior news writer Kevin Patra reported that while Benson must continue avoiding rookie stumbles throughout the upcoming preseason games to formally lock down the role, the starting job currently appears to be his to lose. The Chiefs continue their training camp preparations ahead of the 2026 regular season, where Benson is positioned to secure a permanent role protecting quarterback Patrick Mahomes.