Pro Football Focus’ Zoltán Buday has meticulously compiled a list highlighting the NFL’s most underrated players, with a standout choice for each franchise. For the Kansas City Chiefs, the honor goes to the impressive three-year veteran right guard, Trey Smith.

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS: G TREY SMITH

While the Chiefs’ offensive tackles garnered considerable attention last season for various reasons, the interior line, particularly Joe Thuney and Creed Humphrey, performed exceptionally well. However, the performance of right guard Trey Smith often went unnoticed, despite him being one of the most consistent guards in the league. Over the past three seasons, he is one of only three players to have logged over 4,000 snaps, alongside Humphrey and quarterback Patrick Mahomes. His impressive overall grade of 76.5 during this period ranks him 11th among all guards, showcasing his reliability and skill.

Although national analysts may label Smith as underrated, I contend that he holds a rightful position in Kansas City’s hierarchy. The Chiefs have consistently shown interest in extending Smith’s contract, which is currently set to expire at the conclusion of the 2024 NFL season. It’s possible that discussions regarding a contract extension could accelerate sooner than anticipated, reflecting the team’s commitment to securing his talents for the future.

For this discussion, I would highlight linebacker Leo Chenal. Drafted in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, Chenal primarily played in the box during his rookie season but later expanded his role into a versatile “joker” position, frequently lining up at the line of scrimmage. By season’s end, he finished fifth on the team in tackles and quietly accumulated 4.5 sacks, all while contributing across various special teams units, showcasing his all-around capabilities.

Chenal’s significant contributions during the Super Bowl LVIII victory over the San Francisco 49ers often go unrecognized on a national level. San Francisco appeared poised to establish a dominant presence during the game’s opening drive, but Chenal made a pivotal play by stripping the ball from running back Christian McCaffrey, leading to a recovery by defensive end George Karlaftis and halting the 49ers’ momentum.

Later in the matchup, Chenal made another critical play on special teams during the fourth quarter when the 49ers scored a touchdown. His timely block of an extra point attempt kept the game within reach for the Chiefs, preventing San Francisco from extending their lead to four points. In a tightly contested Super Bowl that ultimately required overtime, Chenal’s contributions were vital in keeping Kansas City competitive.

There’s no wrong answer here. Who do you believe deserves the title of the Chiefs’ most underrated player heading into the 2024 NFL season?