The Chiefs had four players start at left tackle last season, top receiver Rashee Rice missed most of the season, as did Marquise Brown. And running back Isiah Pacheco appeared in just seven games. That likely explains why Mahomes was voted as the NFL's top quarterback in an ESPN survey of league executives, coaches and scouts.

In ESPN's poll of NFL execs, coaches, and players, Kansas City Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes ranked as 2025's top quarterback | @EdEastonJr

The Chiefs know that protecting Patrick Mahomes has to be their highest priority. As long as he has time in the pocket, they are going to have an effective offense. Unfortunately, his protection detail had a flaw at left tackle last season.