The beauty of the NFL’s preseason is that it gives hundreds of incoming rookies an opportunity to show their skills.
For Kansas City Chiefs rookie offensive tackle Wanya Morris, like most of his peers, it’s a chance to prove that he deserves a spot on the 53-man roster. Few roster spots are guaranteed in the NFL, so Morris is understandably excited for his first NFL action when the Chiefs play the New Orleans Saints on Aug. 13.
“Like every kid, it’s a dream come true,” Morris said during Saturday’s presser. “You know, you dream about days like this and to actually go out with them and actually do it, it’s a dream come true. It’s very … breathtaking. Being able to step out there on that field and just go out there and compete with my brothers, and just show everything I’ve got.”
Drafted in the third round of the 2023 draft by Kansas City, the 6-foot-6, 307-pound lineman out of Oklahoma is projected to be the Chiefs’ swing tackle. Frequently working with the first and second teams in camp, Morris could be the backup and eventual successor to either left tackle Donovan Smith or right tackle Jawaan Taylor.
But Morris doesn’t have the backup gig locked down yet. His competition includes third-year players Prince Tega Wanogho and Lucas Niang, among others. The preseason is when Morris will have the chance to stand out amid the competition. On Sunday, it’s sink or swim.
“It’s not done ’til it’s done,” Morris said. “I haven’t made the 53 [man roster] yet. So, I have to go out there and ball.”
