KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Mitch Morse would have been hard-pressed to find a better opportunity. Start with the fact that the rookie offensive lineman was drafted by the Chiefs, just down the road from where he played in college. Throw in the fact that he was picked well before most experts anticipated — and what that meant for his first contract.

Then consider this: The Chiefs watched their starting center sign with the Oakland Raiders in free agency, leaving a gaping void in the middle of their offensive line. Suddenly, the second-round draft pick could be counted on by a playoff contender.