Positional versatility has always been one of Andy Reid’s most coveted traits for players in his offenses. Whether it’s Tyreek Hill’s dynamic ability to take touches in the running game or plays designed such that a 350-pound lineman throws a football intentionally, Reid knows how to get the most out of players capable of playing multiple positions.
Last year, when the team’s offensive line depth was most depleted, the team experimented with different combinations of linemen. Sometimes they were playing out of position to fill the gaps as best they could. Mike Remmers in particular saw his role shift from guard to tackle, then back to guard after the injury to Kelechi Osemele early in the season.
Now, as Kansas City begins preparation for their first preseason game on Saturday, Chiefs’ guard Andrew Wylie is listed as the backup right tackle on the team’s unofficial depth chart. Wylie started nearly every game at right guard last season for Kansas City, save for Week 15 against the New Orleans Saints and Super Bowl LV, where he filled in at right tackle.
Heading into camp, Wylie was thought to be in a battle for a spot at right guard with the likes of Laurent Duvernay-Tardif and Trey Smith. Instead, he’s getting action at the right tackle spot and he doesn’t seem phased by the move. Indications from Sunday’s press conference are that he relishes the opportunity to play multiple spots.
“It’s good,” he told the media about the switch to tackle, “It’s something I’ve been doing for a while, too. That’s how I came into the league, just get it while I can, and playing both tackles and both guards. So, it’s something to add to the resume.”
The switch to tackle is a savvy move on his end too. He was likely the odd man out at right guard with so many bodies competing at that position. Kansas City’s coaching staff has a plethora of talent to choose the best 10 or so linemen to build out their 53-man roster.
Wylie could see time as a starter at some point this season too. Lucas Niang, listed ahead of Wylie on the depth chart, is a relatively unknown commodity after opting out as a rookie in 2020. Mike Remmers, who previously was starting at right tackle, is currently sidelined with a back injury.
The aforementioned decimation of Kansas City’s depth on the line last season forced Wylie into a couple of spot starts. Now, he’s actually had a chance to prepare to play the position for more than a few practice sessions.
“Last year was a real eye-opener, actually getting playing time at tackle,” Wylie told reporters, “This offseason I was really able to fine-tune. Last year, I felt like a guard playing tackle, this year I feel like a tackle. This offseason, Camp and OTAs have gone extremely well, we’ve come a long way.”
The coaching staff is sure to be pleased with the newly-minted tackle’s ability to play multiple positions and even drew up a play in a practice on Sunday for Wylie to score a touchdown.
“I think we should be running that every practice,” Wylie said of his moment in the spotlight, “Let me work these hands a little bit, but yeah, we were just having some fun, and that was a good day. Hopefully, that sticks in the playbook.”
Ever the optimist, Wylie seems serenely content with his role in this Chiefs’ offense, wherever he happens to fit.
