It’s a new month, as NFL training camp is set to begin soon. That means it is time to get our breakout candidate series wrapped up. Next on the list is offensive lineman Austin Reiter.
Reiter has big shoes to fill now, following Mitch Morse‘s exodus to Buffalo in free agency. Even with strong depth at offensive line, all signs point to Reiter being the starting center for 2019. How does Reiter already have a stamp on the starting job? It all started with his small success for the Chiefs last year.
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Center of Attention
Although the aforementioned Morse had a good run in Kansas City, injuries started to catch up with him last season. Due to that, Reiter stepped in and showed enough for the Chiefs to buy in to him right away. It was evident he could move well in space and push to get in front on screen passes, an Andy Reid favorite. Also, Reiter was very disciplined, as he did not commit too many penalties and kept his quarterback up right throughout the games he played in. In fact, Pro Football Focus actually graded Reiter higher than Morse for AFC West centers in 2018. The Chiefs then rewarded him with a contract extension near the end of last year.
Coach Reid is quite likely the guy who pounded the table for Reiter the most near the end of last season. Even after Morse left for Buffalo, Reid mentioned how he was “not worried about that spot.” As we said earlier, the Chiefs have strong depth at offensive line. So, Reiter will still face stiff competition for the center job. But for now, there’s good reason to believe Reiter has a stranglehold on that spot.
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In His Own Words
As a journeyman, Reiter was asked earlier this offseason about how much he cherishes his time in Kansas City:
“I think that some times I have to sit back and realize that. Day to day I’m just here. I put my head down. I work. I grind. That’s really the best thing you can do, at least in my situation. For me personally, that’s how I’ve always been. Things have ended up working out pretty well for me. Sometimes I have to pick my head up… and be like, I really am with these guys.”
Reiter also talked about his teammates on the offensive line:
“Everybody really wants to work hard. We always have things to work on. But I think the greatest attribute in our room is the effort all around. Everybody wants to get better. Everybody wants to be the best.”
Austin Reiter has carried himself highly, showing his realization of possibly being a starter. He speaks boldly and clear when something needs to get across. The way in which Reiter has continued to climb the ladder is just as timely as it is important for the Chiefs right now.
For more NFL offseason articles, stay tuned to Full Press Coverage.
– Braden Holecek is the Kansas City Chiefs managing editor for Full Press Coverage. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @ebearcat9//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js Follow @FPC_Chiefs//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js and Facebook.