The Kansas City Chiefs are currently in a league of their own. Having won back-to-back Super Bowls, the Chiefs are in no mood to take things slow.

Retaining the entire previous year’s squad in the NFL is an impossible task, and thus, every year the roster sees many changes from free agency, drafts, trades, and more. Despite all that, the Chiefs have managed to retain most of their key players as they embark on their quest for a record-breaking three-peat.

Nevertheless, every season there is the odd player or players who have a breakout year and then go on to enjoy a fruitful career afterward. Sometimes, even rookies are known to have standout performances which are not expected in their first season in the league.

So, here we will look at two potential sleeper X-factors for the Chiefs heading into the 2024 season.

Kingsley Suamataia, Left Tackle

Kingsley Suamataia is a rookie left tackle drafted by the Chiefs in the second round this offseason. The former BYU Cougar came into the team competing for the starting spot against second-year tackle Wanya Morris.

Last season Donovan Smith was the starting left tackle but as the Chiefs did not extend his contract the battle for the position was down to Morris and Suamataia. After a grueling training camp and a couple of preseason games, it looks like the BYU player has nailed down the starting role to protect the blind side of Patrick Mahomes.

Without question, the left tackle position is of utmost importance and for Mahomes and the offense to have a great year, a year in which they are challenging history, Suamataia will have to step up in a big way.

However, the 21-year-old rookie has proven his worth in training camp and looks ready to be at minimum a good player by the start of the season. The fact that Kansas City has placed their trust in him and not signed any free agent or traded for another left tackle is a positive sign of things to come from the youngster.

Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Defensive End

Second-year defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah was drafted in the first round of the 2023 draft and the Chiefs have high hopes for him. Unfortunately, his rookie campaign did not go as well as the Chiefs Kingdom would have liked.

Anudike-Uzomah was on the field for just about 20% of the team’s offensive snaps during the regular season while he didn’t play a single snap in the postseason until the Super Bowl. Bigger and better things are expected from the Kansas State alumnus, especially since Charles Omenihu is still recovering from his ACL injury which he suffered late in last season.

Furthermore, the Chiefs starting defensive ends are George Karlaftis and Mike Danna. However, Dana was allowed to try and sign for another team during free agency which goes to show that Anudike-Uzomah could win over the starting role if he plays to his potential.

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