How can one of the most consistent teams in the NFL improve in the trenches for their 2023 campaign?
The Chiefs finish their Super Bowl run by running the score up on the Eagles and dominating in the second half. Regardless of people's thoughts on the controversial holding call which oh yeah was a holding (Thanks to Fox and Greg Olsen people were gaslit into believing it was a bad call), The Chief's offense tore the touted Eagle's defense to shreds after some halftime adjustments.
The Chiefs Plan to Continue Their Dominance
Some may think that the only way the Chiefs can head from football's highest summit is down, however, I believe that with such a young roster and the upcoming plethora of draft picks the Chiefs can get even better next year. I can't remember too many teams that have this much talent while being so young and a lot of that credit goes to the coaching staff and Veach. I feel like for the future there is one more big goal that the chiefs can reach outside of continuing their dynastic run and that goal is an undefeated season. I know it's crazy to think about, but I felt like the rookies balled out this year so imagine what a long offseason and a whole year of experience can turn them into. It would be one of the largest tasks to ever try and complete, but if any team has been made to repeat what the Dolphins did long ago it is the one that will step on the field over the next decade.
I know it's all wishful thinking, but a kid can dream man. I have seen things in recent years that my father hadn't witnessed for nearly his whole life. With the future GOAT on the squad, anything is possible. With that being said here are my picks for guys who can help us maintain and further develop our dominance in the trenches.
The Offensives Tackles
Dawand Jones, Ohio State
Measurables
6’8
359 lbs
Dawand Jones is a towering figure who dominated this past season protecting CJ Stroud from the RT position. He is a two-time all big ten and one-time first-team all-American. When you put it on the tape he is an absolute beast in past production. His measurables are something that truly pops out in comparison to other OTs. there are plenty of other OTs in the NFL and college, but none have quite the technique or athletic ability that Jones currently possesses. He did very well in big games as well going up against top prospects like Foskey from Notre Dame and even some of the Georgia guys. the only concern I have is his mobility at his size, but honestly, I think he'll be fine at the next level. Look for him to be one of the top tackles in the NFL for years to come.
Most scouts have Dawand going day two, but I think this would be an absolute steal if anyone gets him day two as his athleticism at that size. Something should be said for how he came out to the senior bowl and absolutely controlled one on one sessions. He rarely if ever got forced back at all and with his long reach and frame not a lot of other prospects could finesse their way around him either. He would fit any locker room great has a tremendous personality and is one of those prototypical fun offensive linemen. He will solidify any team's OT position for years to come regardless of location. Don't sleep on Dawand. That senior bowl tape needs to be watched. A trend for the other tackles as well.
Player comparison: A more physical and talented Orlando Brown Jr.
Value: Day 2 pick, but easily has first-round talent.
Darnell Wright, Tennessee
Measurables
6’5
335 lbs
Sure Darnell Wright's play-making ability may not be nearly as flashy as some of the other OTs in the class, but his consistency and reliability against elite talent are something not to overlook. Darnell Wright was one of the top pass protectors in the SEC this past year as he notched himself all-sec honors for his 2022 campaign in protecting Hendon Hooker. The tape that really flashes his potential at the next level was his matchup with Alabama's Will Anderson whom many consider being the top prospect in this year's draft. It was key in Tennessee's big nationally televised win and I don't think they win that game without Wright. I do feel like he needs to improve in run protection though as his pass protection is good, but run protection seems a little shakier, but to be fair to Wright he was in an offensive system that didn't emphasize the run that much so this stuff is very coachable at the next level.
Another big performance that Darnell had that really convinced me was his performance at the senior bowl. Similarly to Dawand, He Dominated in one on ones showing tremendous athleticism. He also did very well in in-game scenarios as well. The only other area of weakness I see for Wright is getting beat by faster edges off the edge. If he can perfect his technique at the next level he can be the next great tackle for the Chiefs. He has a great work ethic and focuses so there are no behavioral problems there either. Just a good solid day-two pick to whatever team he lands with. Oh yeah and his buddy Trey Smith is here just to add to it.
Player Comparison: Andrew Thomas
Value: Day 2 pick
Matthew Bergeron
Measurables
6’5
318 lbs
Matthew Bergeron has one of the most consistent tapes I have seen of this entire draft class. Is it the most explosive or athletic? No, but what it is a future starting LT in the NFL. Sure the Chiefs may have signed Jawaan Taylor, but he is meant to play more at an RT position if you want someone who can step out on day 1 and be your starting LT opposite of Taylor this is the steal of the draft to get. If you want to watch some tape on this guy check out the senior bowl 1-on-1s. One word. Dominant.
Bergeron is the kinda guy who will not light up the stat sheet with pancakes however he will be someone you can rely on which in my opinion is more important at the next level. I do have some concerns though like how some of his best blocking looks like it could sometimes be called a hold, but nonetheless, this guy will be a steal for any team and the hiding stuff is coachable. Sounds like a great guy and teammate in interviews. Would fit well with this team.
Player comparison: Tyron Smith
Value: Day 2 pick, but has much more talent than what people are giving him credit for.
The Edge Rushers
Isaiah Foskey, Notre Dame
Measurables
6’8
359 lbs
So you want yourself a ball player well here he is. Foskey makes plays all over the field and is an extremely good edge rusher. He does better against the pass than the run so that will be the main thing to improve on for the next level. He looks like the prototypical edge that you would want. Great size, frame, and speed. One of Notre Dame's best all-time edge rushers in my opinion.
This guy is my top-edge rusher in the draft. He is pure first-round talent and I may be wrong, but I feel as if he is the most sure-fire and NFL-ready player to be drafted outside of the top 10. The tape is explosive, he is explosive, but with all of that he is also extremely consistent. Could work on some hand usage, but overall I feel like if the Chiefs are not going WR or OT in the first round this is the guy to go for. Seems incredibly likeable in interviews and a great leader and team player type of guy.
Player comparison: Brian Burns
Value: 1st round talent
Nolan Smith, Georgia
Measurables
6’2
238 lbs
Nolan Smith is definitely going to be one of the most interesting prospects in this entire draft. He has all the measurables, sure he is not the biggest or lengthiest edge, but his athleticism is by far and away the best of any edge rusher in this draft. The problem? He is constantly injured. Nolan Smith is one of the biggest what-ifs in college football in recent memory sure his team still won 2 national championships however in the college football playoffs he was mostly absent, but turn on the Michigan tape, and WOW. The Stats are far from desirable, but the film is very impressive.
He would do a very good job of complementing Karlaftis on the other side of the line. He would be the explosiveness the Chiefs need while KArlaftis would be the consistency. Combined with Jones and Omenihu, it would be a sight to behold. I just don't know if the value is there at 31 for a risk to be taken. What if he just ends up injured all the time just like he was in college? It would be a very important pick to be giving up to an injury-prone player. However, the skillset is there if he can stay healthy. It could be a top-ten edge rusher type of talent if it works out.
Player comparison: Dare I say slightly smaller Khalil Mack levels of potential
Value: Boom or Bust 1st round draft pick
Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Kansas State
Measurables
6’4
355 lbs
A good solid player who will need to continue his success in the Big 12 and become more consistent at the next level. After watching the tape, Uzomah is a good playmaker, but he needs to show up more consistently versus random times throughout a game. He doesn’t get pushed back too often on runs, but occasionally he does. He's a player that thrives off of play recognition and his overall feel for the game. I wouldn't say that Felix-Uzomah is great at any one particular thing rather he is a player who is really good at a multitude of things. To put it simply the guy knows how to play football which is something that I feel like a lot of scouts look past when seeing all of these guys with crazy size or speed. My only concern is his ability to keep up production at the next level. I feel like when watching some of his tapes he gets sacks from broken-down plays rather than just creating the plays himself.
Though there may be some small flaws in his game don't let it fool you, this guy won the Big 12 defensive player of the year award for a reason. It would be quite the story if the Chiefs were to bring Felix-Uzomah in as he is from the KCMO area. Bringing in a hometown guy is always very enjoyable from a fan and a player perspective so it would be pretty fun to see it happen.
Player comparison: Slightly larger Yannick Ngakoue
Value: Riskier day 1 pick very solid early day 2 pick
The Defensive Tackles
Mazi Smith, Michigan
Measurables
6'3
323 lbs
Mazi Smith was a bully in the middle of the line for Michigan's defense this past year. Sure he may not have that crazy size you would hope for in DT, but the strength is off the charts. When I first saw his tape I couldn't stop thinking about how Donatrie Poe like he looked even the NFL combine website agreed and has that as his player comparison he could help solidify the middle of this line for years to come. The tape looks extremely flashywhen you turn it on. A lot of good-looking football ahead for Mazi.
Something of note which I don't think is a big deal, but some NFL executives may is that Mazi was pulled over with an unregistered concealed and loaded weapon in his car and placed under arrest. I feel after watching his interviews he seems like a smart and good guy with no malicious intent. It is again something that doesn't concern me. He would fit in this locker room similar to how Poe did. It feels almost kinda like a clone was made.
Player comparison: Of Course Dontari Poe
Value: Day 2 pick, it will vary on how teams weigh the gun charge.
Keeanu Benton, Wisconsin
Measurables
6’4
315 lbs
A very good run defender has a good burst up the middle and tends to be one of the more consistent players in the draft at the position. Sure his explosiveness and big play ability won't jump off the screen as some other tackles will in the class, but consistency matters at the next level and Benton has the size and strength to continue from where he left off in college. He needs to do a better job finishing some sacks off as well as there are times when he would burst through the line only to miss the tackle on the QB giving the QB more time and opportunity.
He was a 2 time all-big 2nd-team player often times finishing behind players that the committee saw as more explosive hints at the comment I made above. He would be a force on the Chief's d line though so don't let my comments above dissuade you he wins a lot on the line he just needs to master his finishing. If he can start to finish at the next level he could be an elite nose tackle. He was in the 3-4 system in college so the 4-3 may be a bit of an adjustment, but again he has the build, talent, and consistency for it. He has all the building blocks to be a steal in the draft. Crushed it at the senior bowl.
Player comparison: Slightly taller Quinnen Williams
Value: Day 2 pick
Calijah Kancey, Pittsburgh
Measurables
6’0
280 lbs
One of the smaller DTs in the class, but also one of the most explosive in the class Kancey flashes great potential and 4-3 defensive tackle at the next level. He has the build more to be a defensive end and could work as a utility player who can play throughout the line similar to how Chris Jones already does for the Chiefs. I feel like due to his size he is getting overlooked by a lot of teams who really want that big and tall mean machine DT over the middle. You won't get it in Calijah, but when it comes down to it I feel like he is one of the best and most underrated players on people's draft boards. Sure he won't be a big-time 3-4 NT that can easily plug up holes every time, but he can be a guy who consistently makes plays on the interior and that's really all you need if you're the Chiefs.
He also wasn't a unanimous all-American and ACC for nothing either. Yes, I will admit the size thing is a concern if he plays DT the whole time, but really I feel like Kancey should just be listed as a defensive lineman with no other specification further than that. As much as I have talked about his size issues they give him more finesse in comparison to the other DTs in the draft. He would make for a great rotation piece alongside Omenihu across the line. He shined big time at the combine. Athleticism is off the charts for this guy. One of the highest ceilings in the draft. Watch the tape and his hand movement, it is ELITE.
Player comparison: Ed Oliver
Value: Early Day 2 pick
In Veach, we trust. Amen!
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