Wylie Has Been An Anchor Along the Chiefs Offensive Line

by John Unrein

It’s been said that it doesn’t matter how you get to the NFL, just that you seize the opportunity provided upon your arrival. Kansas City Chiefs Offensive Lineman Andrew Wylie has done just that.

The second-year guard broke into the National Football League in 2017 after signing as an undrafted free agent with the Baltimore Ravens before bouncing to the Indianapolis Colts roster prior to ending up with the Chiefs.

Wylie’s effort has been impressive this season. He was one of the stars of Chiefs training camp. He’s played in all sixteen games and has started at right guard during the final ten weeks of the regular season after the leg injury to Laurent Duvernay-Tardif.

Furthermore, Wylie was recently recognized by the Chiefs as their Rookie of the Year, winning the prestigious Mack Lee Hill Award.

This recognition holds a special place in Chiefs lore. Mack Lee Hill played two seasons at running back for Kansas City (1964-1965) prior to passing away after knee surgery in December two days after a game against the Buffalo Bills. Wylie’s recognition in winning this award was determined by a vote of his teammates, not a token of respect to be held lightly.

Wylie is currently ranked as the 38 th best guard in the NFL by Pro Football Focus. The 24-year-old has proved durable throughout the season, adding to the phrase that your best ability is often your availability.

The 6’ 6” three hundred- and ninepound lineman may not be playing his best position along the offensive line either. Wylie starred collegiately at Eastern Michigan as an offensive tackle and was used primarily at that spot as a reserve for the Chiefs prior to Tardif’s injury.

Surprisingly enough, Wylie was not invited to the NFL combine, despite being recognized with All-MAC Conference Honors and starting 44 games at Eastern Michigan in helping to propel his alma mater to its first bowl game in 29 years during his senior campaign. However, NFL teams could not ignore the numbers Wylie put up during his pro day in the spring of 2017. His numbers turned the heads of professional scouts. He bench pressed 340 pounds, along with posting a 4.5 second 20-yard shuttle, a 9-foot-7-inch broad jump, and a 34-inch vertical leap. This performance would have placed him near the top of all offensive lineman at the NFL combine.

Wylie’s tenacious play in the trenches is what has been most impressive. He plays to the end of the whistle, often getting under the skin of his opponents. This was apparent during the Chiefs Week 14 matchup at Arrowhead against Baltimore during the regular season. The Ravens defense was unnerved by Wylie’s use of leverage in the run game as well as his final hand placements in pass protection.

Usually it’s the Ravens’ opponents that take exception to their physical play, not the other way around. No one has accused Wylie of being a dirty player. On the contrary, the pushing and shoving that occurs with Wylie after the play has been because they know its going to be a long day against number 77 for the Chiefs. Wylie’s emergence could not have come at a better time for Kansas City. The interior offensive line has seen it’s share of injuries this season. Mitch Morse has missed time with a concussion. Cam Erving recently has been in and out of the lineup due to a knee injury.

Tardif was on his way to a potential pro bowl season prior to breaking his fibula. The Kansas City Chiefs need Wylie to continue to be an anchor of continuity to help propel the team through the playoffs.