Chiefs Defender Has 2 Months to Prove He’s Not a Bust

Jul 22, 2025; St. Joseph, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Fabien Lovett Sr. (96) and defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah (91) stretch out during training camp at Missouri Western State University. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
Jul 22, 2025; St. Joseph, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Fabien Lovett Sr. (96) and defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah (91) stretch out during training camp at Missouri Western State University. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images | Denny Medley-Imagn Images

For all of the incredible draft hits that general manager Brett Veach has had over the years, ranging from first-rounders like Trent McDuffie and George Karlaftis to late-round selections such as Isiah Pacheco and Jaylen Watson, there have been big mistakes.

From the Skyy Moore's of the world to Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Breeland Speaks, there's a long list of failures that need to be addressed.

Veach deserves all of the credit possible, but one terrible recent draft pick only has two months left to prove he's not a bust. Unfortunately, the odds aren't in his favor.

Chiefs DE Felix Anudike-Uzomah Has 2 Months to Remove Bust Label

2023 first-rounder Felix Anduke-Uzomah, who is a local standout from Kansas City, has sadly not worked out at the professional level. Originally a high school star in the town, he was selected in the first round of the draft out of Kansas State, seemingly fulfilling a destiny as someone who could be a beloved Chief.

Instead of that happening, Anudike-Uzomah has instead played just 20% of snaps during his rookie campaign and 31% last year. This is an obvious failure with no argument to make supporting the contrary side. No one wants this to happen, but Anudike-Uzomah may be a bust akin to Bubba Starling for the Kansas City Royals. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo has a chance to fix it, though there's no sign at this point that he will.

To Anudike-Uzomah's credit, he's been a stable of consistent durability. He's played in every game of his career, compiling 41 tackles and three sacks in his career. That's completely unacceptable, and it wouldn't be a surprise to see the 23-year-old cut in favor of Malik Herring.

By any measure, this was a terrible selection. Anudike-Uzomah has only a small chance to recoup the limited value he still has in the league, and it's a drastically negative sign that he can't get playing time with the best defensive coordinator in the NFL.

Here's hoping for the best, but fans shouldn't expect much after two years.

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