Top 5 Chiefs With Most to Prove in 2024
By Joe Summers
3. Felix Anudike-Uzomah - DE
The 2023 season was essentially a redshirt year for Felix Anudike-Uzomah, who played more than 10% of the snaps just twice after the Week 8 bye. He wasn't part of the Chiefs' plans once Charles Omenihu returned from suspension, though the organization remains optimistic about his potential.
That said, it's not clear how Anudike-Uzomah will make an impact this year either. Omenihu is still rehabbing from an injury and will miss games, though George Karlaftis and Mike Danna are still firmly ahead on the depth chart.
First-round picks are among the most valuable assets in the NFL. If Anudike-Uzomah doesn't earn significant snaps, what was the point of drafting him so high?
Felix Anudike-Uzomah will likely be in more pass-rush packages in place of Omenihu in Super Bowl LVIII
— Ron Kopp Jr. (@Ron_Kopp) February 4, 2024
That was also the case Wks 1-6. He was exclusively used off the edge, and showed an ability to cave the pocket when stunting inside pic.twitter.com/MyuoXZtmNM
I'm optimistic about the former Kansas State Wildcat's future. He's in a great position to learn and develop, but you typically want your first-round picks to see the field quickly. Considering the Lions drafted rising star TE Sam LaPorta just three picks after the Chiefs took Anudike-Uzomah, the opportunity cost weighs heavily.
Anudike-Uzomah will be one of the players I'm watching closely at training camp. Brett Veach has done a sensational job in the draft, though this could be his second first-round bust in only a handful of years.