Kansas City Chiefs assistant general manager Mike Bradway has acknowledged an element of luck in the team's decision to add undrafted rookie offensive tackle Kahlil Benson, who is now expected to start at left tackle in the Chiefs’ Week 1 matchup against the Denver Broncos.

Benson, who was not selected during the NFL draft’s seven rounds in April, initially joined the Chiefs as a low-priority invitee to their rookie minicamp in May. The team’s player personnel coordinator and pro scout, Madison Aponte, contacted Benson’s agent primarily to bolster practice numbers and provide the rookie with a brief opportunity to showcase his skills. What followed has been an unexpected rise for the former Indiana and Colorado player, who has moved quickly up the depth chart and is poised to make his professional debut on Monday Night Football.

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid expressed confidence in Benson’s ability, noting that the coaching staff would not start him if they had any doubts about his readiness. Benson’s ascension is notable given Reid’s 13 seasons with Kansas City have not previously included an undrafted rookie starting in Week 1. The last undrafted rookie to start the season opener for the Chiefs was fullback Mike Cox in 2008.

While Benson’s collegiate experience was primarily at left and right guard and right tackle, he has not taken a single snap at left tackle during his college career. Despite this positional inexperience, Reid indicated that Benson would begin at left tackle while veteran Jaylon Moore would likely start at right tackle. Moore, expected to line up beside Benson, said working together has instilled confidence in Benson’s ability to succeed in a challenging role.

Benson has shown eagerness to learn and adapt, frequently asking questions and absorbing coaching, according to Moore. His rapid improvement during offseason workouts and minicamps caught the attention of the coaching staff, leading to his elevation from third-string to first-team repetitions by the time mandatory minicamp concluded.

Bradway noted that the franchise’s scouting and personnel teams recognized Benson’s physical attributes and potential early on, prompting the decision to sign him to the 90-man roster after rookie minicamp. From there, Benson’s progress has been steady, earning him an opportunity that few undrafted players receive.

Starting in a high-profile game against a Denver Broncos defense known for its formidable pass rush, Benson will be tasked with protecting quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ blind side as Mahomes makes his return from a December knee injury. Reid expressed a desire for Benson to approach the challenge with confidence and determination characteristic of a young player embarking on a professional career.

Bradway credited the Chiefs’ willingness to take a chance while emphasizing that Benson’s perseverance and self-assurance have been critical factors in his journey. “He didn’t carry himself like a tryout guy,” Bradway said. “He knew he belonged.”

Benson’s story underscores the unpredictable nature of talent evaluation in the NFL and highlights the potential for undrafted players to emerge as key contributors given the right circumstances and opportunities.