Wanya Morris: ‘Exciting’ Feeling Getting Drafted by Chiefs

Kansas City's newest tackle is ready to get to work and also reunite with a former teammate.

The Kansas City Chiefs used three draft picks over the course of the first two nights of the 2023 NFL Draft. In round three, the team executed a small trade-up with the Cincinnati Bengals and snagged Oklahoma offensive lineman Wanya Morris. The move provides some depth on the outside of the offensive line, and also has the potential to become more in due time.

Morris, who stands at just over 6-foot-5 and weighs 307 pounds, has 35-inch arms that will come to his advantage at the next level. He has experience on both sides of the offensive line, which is another benefit for someone who heads into a Chiefs organization that is still sorting things out a bit in regard to its offensive line picture. When asked about his versatility at the next level, Morris said he's ready to get to work wherever Kansas City's coaching staff wants him to be. 

“I think my versatility speaks for itself, but I don’t know where I’m going to go in there and play," Morris said. "I’m going to play whatever they need me to play. But shoot, I just got drafted, so I’m just enjoying this moment right now. I can’t tell you how excited I am at this moment. Whatever they need me to play, I’m going to play and that’s that.”

There's also an underrated element of the Morris pick that has already started to come into play — his relationship with the Chiefs' starting right guard, Trey Smith. Morris started his college career at Tennessee, which was where Smith also attended. Back in their playing days together, Morris was the Volunteers' starting left tackle while Smith worked in alongside him at left guard. The side of the line may be switched now, but the connection is still there. In fact, Morris said after getting drafted that Smith had already reached out to him. He's extremely excited to get going. 

“He was one of the first people who called me when I got the pick, man," Morris said. "I can’t tell you how good it feels to just get those acknowledgments from the guys that you see doing great in the league and just to know that I’m going to be right there back with them. (We’re) going to start off where we left off, so it’s exciting. It’s exciting. I’m really excited.”

Let's go back to the Chiefs' offensive line situation for a second. On the left side, free agent acquisition Jawaan Taylor is expected to replace Orlando Brown Jr. and be the starter. His experience there is very limited, but his athletic profile and tape on the right side suggest that he should be able to handle the transition adequately. As far as the left tackle spot is concerned, Morris would be maxing out as a backup unless Taylor fails.

On the right side, though, Morris has everything right out ahead of him. Andrew Wylie is no longer entrenched as the starter and with Lucas Niang having the inside edge to replace him, it's still far from a lock. If Morris comes out in OTAs, minicamp and training camp and stands out for the right reasons, perhaps there's a competition to be had there. At any rate, Morris said Smith told him to be ready to work. That's exactly what he'll do. 

“He told me to expect (to) work," Morris said. "Don’t expect anything. Don’t go in there with any expectations, (just) go in there and just do your job and work. Work your (butt) off, and that’s what I’m going to do. Chiefs Nation, I’m ready! I’m ready, let's do it! Let’s do it!"

Read More: Chiefs 2023 NFL Draft Tracker