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New Chief Geoff Schwartz says he's a guard, who can play offensive tackle

The Kansas City Chiefs signed offensive line Geoff Schwartz in free agency. He spoke to the media and said while he has experience as an offensive tackle, he would prefer to play guard.

Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

There was a small mystery around the Kansas City Chiefs signing of Geoff Schwartz -- which position will he play? Schwartz has experience as both an offensive tackle and guard. He told the local media last weekend that his preference is playing guard.

"I think I'm better at guard," Schwartz said. "Being able to play tackle is definitely a positive, but I haven't really done it in a couple years. I'm just looking forward to getting a healthy camp at guard, preferable, but like I said, I can still do tackle."

The Chiefs could reasonably use him as a reserve at both positions. Schwartz could be the reserve interior offensive lineman the Chiefs have been missing (outside of Bryan Mattison, who they re-signed). He could also be the swing tackle, but that could depend on what happens with Donald Stephenson, who is currently the swing tackle, and the No. 1 pick, which the Chiefs could use on a starting right tackle.

"This was the only visit I made. This was the best situation, and I jumped on it. I'm very excited. I just can't wait to start in a couple weeks."

He said the Chiefs told him that the "best five will roll" on the offensive line.

"First and foremost," Schwartz began when asked why he chose Kansas City, "I think there is competition on the offensive line. Right tackle is open right now. There's not anyone really there, but besides that, I really like Coach Reid. When he was in Philly he won a lot of games. He's been a very successful coach. In 14 years he's been in a lot of conference championship games. That's exciting to me. Even when he's getting a fresh start here and I wanted a fresh start, so it was just a perfect situation for me."

Schwartz missed all of the 2011 season with a hip injury, and had a sports hernia last year. He spent the 2012 season as a reserve lineman for the Minnesota Vikings. He said this is the first offseason in a while that he's been completely healthy.

The idea of blocking for Jamaal Charles is something he's excited for.

"I love his explosiveness and how he can hit the hole and he's gone. It was insane against the Saints when he went 80 yards to the house just like that. As an offensive lineman, you know that if you sustain your block then the running back will find a hole and make you look good. Successful running backs know how to do that."

Ahem ... 91 yards.

More reading:

NFL free agency grades

List of all the Chiefs free agents

Dunta Robinson is in KC to be a CB

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