Hot Takes, Predictions for Chiefs Rookies After 2023 NFL Draft
With the 2023 NFL draft being held in Kansas City, a ton of Chiefs fans came out to support the team over the three-day event that took place Thursday, Friday and Saturday. And they got to see the franchise assemble a solid rookie class for the upcoming season.
The Chiefs took seven players in this year's draft, adding one in each round. Their most notable selection was Kansas State edge rusher Felix Anudike-Uzomah, who was picked at No. 31, the final selection of the opening round.
Kansas City, the defending Super Bowl champions, already had a roster capable of having success in 2023. But its incoming players could complement the veterans well and make an impact during the upcoming season.
Here are some early hot takes and predictions for the Chiefs' 2023 rookie class.
Anudike-Uzomah Will Become a Starter by Midseason
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Kansas City will enter the 2023 season with George Karlaftis and Charles Omenihu as its starting edge rushers. Karlaftis, a 2022 first-round draft pick, should be safe to keep that role. Omenihu, who signed with the Chiefs this offseason, may not be as locked in, though.
There's a decent chance that Omenihu could be supplanted by Anudike-Uzomah, who has a ton of potential and could become the team's top pass rusher in the not-so-distant future. The former Kansas State standout racked up sacks over his final two collegiate seasons, collecting 19.5 between the 2021 and 2022 campaigns.
Anudike-Uzomah should quickly carve out a role in Kansas City's rotation of pass rushers. His playmaking ability coming off the edge will provide a boost, and he'll likely improve as he gains experience at the NFL level.
Assuming that's the case, Anudike-Uzomah could firmly be in a starting role by the midseason points. And it may be a spot he'll own for quite some time to come.
Rice Will Become Reliable Target, Score Five Touchdowns
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The Chiefs needed to add to their receiving corps early in the draft, and they did so in the second round. That's when they took former SMU wide receiver Rashee Rice with the No. 55 overall pick, adding a playmaker who has both size and speed.
The 6'1" Rice got into the end zone a lot over his four-year career with the Mustangs, especially over his final two seasons, when he totaled 19 touchdowns in 24 games. He also had 96 catches for 1,355 yards in his 2022 senior campaign.
Rice may already have a budding connection with Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Rice participated in some of Mahomes' offseason passing sessions in Texas, according to Nate Taylor of The Athletic, which could bode well for them heading into the 2023 season.
With JuJu Smith-Schuster no longer on the Chiefs, they'll need someone to step up. That could end up being Rice, who may score a handful of touchdowns in his rookie campaign.
Morris Will Start at Least Half the Games at RT
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Heading into the 2023 season, the Chiefs' projected starter at right tackle is Lucas Niang. He's a three-year NFL veteran with starting experience, as he made nine starts for Kansas City in 2021 and was again a depth player last year.
However, Niang has had trouble staying healthy, as he missed some considerable time due to a knee injury. Will the Chiefs be able to count on him to start 17 games? That's unclear. And it's also why it was important they added depth in the draft, which they did by selecting former Oklahoma tackle Wanya Morris in the third round.
Morris made the All-Big 12 second team while with the Sooners this past season. He split his college career between Tennessee (2019-20) and Oklahoma (2021-22), and he impressed at both schools.
Whether it's due to injury or underperformance, Niang may not remain Kansas City's starting RT for long. Morris has the potential to take over that role. So don't be surprised if he ends up starting at least half the games in that spot, as he could end up being a sleeper player for the team in 2023.
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