KC Laboratory Film Room: How Trey Smith fits into Chiefs offense

Some concepts the Chiefs could use Trey Smith in to maximize his skillset

We’ve made it! This is the first breakdown series for the KC Laboratory Film Room, and now we’ve made it to the final installment in our look at Trey Smith, the offensive lineman whom the Chiefs selected in the sixth round of this year’s draft.

We’ve covered how Smith dominates as a run blocker and where he wins as a pass protector, so what’s left? During this session, we are going to take a look at some ways Smith was utilized at Tennessee that either translates directly to what the Chiefs are currently doing or how the club can adjust its scheme to maximize his skill set.

Trey Smith’s potential usage with Chiefs

Run-pass option plays

It’s hard to imagine the Chiefs would ever be interested in an offensive line prospect who struggled to block for RPOs (read pass options) due to it being one of the primary concepts in their offense. Tennessee heavily utilized the RPO and Smith was often the lynchpin in the scheme.

One of the most difficult parts for an offensive lineman blocking on an RPO is the complete unknown of what is happening with the football. The play is designed as a run or a pass, and there isn’t time for the lineman to figure out which will be active on that play. Instead, a quality lineman will block for the run relying on winning the point of contact and slowing any potential pass rush to the quarterback. A good lineman will block for the run but be aware of where the line of scrimmage ends to ensure they don’t get too far upfield or leave open rush lanes. What does a great lineman do?

Good thing we have this example to show us. Not only does Smith attack the defensive tackle like it’s a run play and make his reach block, he then turns the defender and starts to apply force laterally rather than traveling too far upfield. That’s all good but what makes this play great is the hand and body placement by Smith.

He has his inside hand high and on the back of the defensive tackle to help kick him out of the potential run lane. His outside hand is low and in the chest or armpit of the defender which is serving as a roadblock for the tackle to take a direct path to the quarterback. Even if the tackle was to ignore the run action altogether and take off toward the quarterback, he has to fight through Smith’s hand and a squared-up body position that makes it easy for Smith to slide and drive him deep around the pocket. It’s little technicalities like this that allow Smith to be the key cog along the interior in the RPO game.

Power run game

This has been something I and many others have talked about often over the past few years. The Chiefs have consistently shown flashes of moving towards a more power or man-based run scheme and away from a zone-heavy approach. Over the past two seasons, they’ve transitioned to an inside and split zone heavy rushing attack away from the outside zone they ran for years under Andy Reid. Now, one more step could be taken based on flashes from 2020 and the type of offensive linemen they’ve brought in, and that next step is a true power run game.

Whether it's a single back Power or Duo run, classic Power, GT Counter or any other variation of a power run blocking scheme, Smith fits like a glove. If he’s asked to combo up to the second level or double team a lineman, he can dominate with power and explosion off the line of scrimmage. Calling on more double teams with man-blocking footwork and aggressively attacking the defense on a vertical plane is right up Smith’s alley.

Another option is to get him pulling both outside and across the formation more frequently than Kansas City has done the past few seasons. Smith’s flexibility through his hips and initial acceleration allow him to cover a lot of ground when pulling and turn tight corners to either lead through a gap or kick out a remaining defender. Tennessee really missed the opportunity to utilize Smith in this regard, so hopefully, the Chiefs won’t.

Matt Lane @ChiefinCarolina

Some ways Trey Smith's skillset and the Chiefs offense fit perfectly together - Heavy RPO influence - High understanding of leverage - Hip fluidity to open up & work down the LoS - Adjustments made on the fly

Quick sets

The Chiefs over the years have frequently allowed their interior line to quick-set and get their hands on defenders early. They often leave their offensive tackles on an island which allows their interior to focus on blocking their gaps or man. This concept often manifests with the guards and center getting to quick-set or jump-set defenders to get their hands on them early.

Smith excelled in these types of situations at Tennessee and likely will continue that trend in the NFL. His physical presence and athleticism allow him to quickly control blockers and create a good pocket for his quarterback. Thanks to his power and technique, he rarely is walked backward into the quarterback’s lap, allowing the passer to step up when needed.

Wrapping It Up

Smith is a much more talented prospect than his draft slot would indicate but what should get Chiefs fans even more excited is how well he may fit in with the direction of the team’s offense. Some of the changes along the offensive line indicate a transition to a more power-based run game which correlates perfectly to his strengths. The Chiefs’ heavy usage of RPO concepts and the desire to quick-set with their interior lineman also both fall into Smith’s wheelhouse, and his transition period into this offense may not be prolonged.

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As his days of playing in the trenches ended, Matt Lane quickly realized he missed studying the game of football more than he did playing. Since 2017 he’s been lucky enough to fulfill that desire while covering the Kansas City Chiefs and the NFL Draft.