5 Chiefs on Thin Ice Heading Into the NFL Draft
By Joe Summers
3. Felix Anudike-Uzomah - DE
The 2023 first-round pick saw limited playing time in his first season with the Chiefs and was always viewed as more of a project than a day-one starter. That being said, Kansas City is loaded at defensive line and the room could get even more crowded should the organization add another edge rusher in the draft.
If Anudike-Uzomah struggles to see the field in his second year, it's hard to argue against the pick being a waste. With Chris Jones, George Karlaftis, Mike Danna and Charles Omenihu in the fold and ahead of Felix in the pecking order, he faces an uphill climb to prove he was worth a first-round selection.
Felix Anudike-Uzomah is going to be a problem look at his closing speed on Watson! 🔥
— Brad Henson Productions (@BradHensonPro) August 29, 2023
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He's had promising moments albeit in limited snaps. Anudike-Uzomah might see more snaps early in the year given Omenihu's ongoing recovery from his ACL tear, giving him an opportunity to deliver on the high draft pedigree.
There are more questions than answers about the former Kansas State Wildcat at this point though. Brett Veach hasn't had many misses in the NFL Draft, but the fanbase may sour on Anudike-Uzomah if we go two full years without him making an impact.
If the Chiefs take a pass rusher early in the draft, that'll suggest Anudike-Uzomah hasn't progressed as much as they'd like.