Few can question Kansas City Chiefs general manager Brett Veach's prowess as a decision-maker. He's created a dynasty thanks to his work building this roster, ranging from his demands to draft QB Patrick Mahomes to his late-round CB work with gems such as L'Jarius Sneed, Jaylen Watson, Joshua Williams and Nazeeh Johnson.
It's hard to pinpoint the list of Veach's NFL Draft successes, which is what makes his failures all the more significant.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Skyy Moore, and Breeland Speaks all represent such mishaps. Unfortunately, one recent first-round pick is suddenly a cut candidate with the first preseason game getting underway on Saturday.
Felix Anudike-Uzomah has been fine-tuning his get off 👀 pic.twitter.com/LpmukxgmXa
— Daniel Harms (@InHarmsWay19) November 12, 2024
Chiefs DE Felix Anudike-Uzomah Suddenly a Cut Candidate in Preseason
He's not the only player fighting for his job right now, but 2023 first-rounder Felix Anudike-Uzomah is staring down an uphill battle. The Lee's Summit High School, Kansas State Wildcats, and now Kansas City Chiefs defender, is a feel-good story for all in the city. Everyone wanted to root for a local star on the local team, but things haven't worked out.
Appearing on the "Cody & Gold" show on 96.5 The Fan (the home of the Chiefs), ESPN insider Nate Taylor suggested that he thought it was a legitimate possibility that Anudike-Uzomah gets cut before the regular season starts.
Even in 2024, Anudike-Uzomah only managed 31% of the defensive snaps and 9% of special teams ones. When you compare him to recent first-round selections like CB Trent McDuffie and fellow DE George Karlaftis, who just signed a mammoth contract extension, it's easy to overlook Anudike-Uzomah.
In fairness, the 23-year-old was placed in a tough situation. He was expected to be a Kansas City "born-and-raised" hero, yet he's been a disappointment more than anything. In Taylor's appearance, he also highlighted the performance of veteran Malik Herring. Aside from Herring, Anudike-Uzomah is battling Karlaftis, Mike Danna, Charles Omenihu, Jerry Tillery, Malon Tuipulotu, rookie Ashton Gilotte, and others for a roster spot. It's a fierce, deep room, and the pressure is on Anudike-Uzomah to prove that he belongs.
Regardless, when you look at that loaded room, it's not hard to see the local kid getting cut. Veach has an obligation to put the best roster on the field. If Anudike-Uzomah doesn't fit, why further invest in a sunk cost?
Thus far, durability has been Anudike-Uzomah's calling card. He's suited up for all 17 games in each of his two seasons. However, it's the statistical output that's been the problem.
The ex-Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year has just 41 tackles with three sacks and 14 quarterback hits. For a rotational guy, those are exciting numbers. For a first-round pick by Veach? It's unacceptable.
Anudike-Uzomah was set up for failure and hasn't overcome the harsh circumstances. Now that preseason action has arrived, he's in the same boat as Moore while struggling to stay afloat as high draft picks who fans are desperate to see some juice from.