KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The 2023 NFL draft was held in downtown Kansas City, Missouri. The Kansas City Chiefs made seven of the draft’s 259 picks, and began with defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah at No. 31.
ESPN has pick-by-pick analysis of each of the Chiefs’ selections.
Analysis of every pick | Updated depth chart
Round 1, No. 31 overall: Felix Anudike-Uzomah, DE, Kansas State
My take: Despite drafting George Karlaftis in the first round last year and signing Charles Omenihu in free agency this year, the Chiefs needed help on the edge. They plan to move Omenihu inside to pair with Chris Jones as an interior rusher on passing downs, so Anudike-Uzomah could claim a spot opposite Karlaftis on passing downs.
What we’re hearing about Anudike-Uzomah “He's just turned 21 and he's done nothing but grow and develop throughout the last couple years and we're excited for [defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo] and [defensive line coach Joe Cullen] to get their hands on him now and continue that growth and trajectory uphill. Any time you can add a premium position, one of the youngest players in the draft and have that to work with for a long time is something we're excited about,’’ said general manager Brett Veach.
When will he be expected to get regular playing time? Immediately. With Karlaftis, Omenihu and Mike Danna at his position, the Chiefs have some depth at defensive end so Anudike-Uzomah doesn't have to be a starter right away. But he is expected to claim a spot in the playing rotation and contribute on passing downs.
Round 2, No. 55 overall (from Minnesota through Detroit): Rashee Rice, WR, SMU
My take: The rebuild of the wide receiver group continues. It started last year with the pick of Skyy Moore in the second round and continued with the trade for Kadarius Toney at the deadline. Rice joins those two, plus Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Justin Watson, Richie James and others in the group competing for snaps. Rice will get a long look, as the Chiefs lost two of their wide outs from last season, JuJu Smith-Schuster and Mecole Hardman, in free agency.
Key stat: The Chiefs lost over 100 catches and 1,200 yards from last season when Smith-Schuster and Hardman departed as free agents. The Chiefs have big hopes that Toney and Moore will fill bigger roles than last season, but they are still unproven and the Chiefs do not have another wide receiver who is a proven and consistent producer. The Chiefs had numbers at the position, but needed someone capable of putting up big numbers. Rice caught 96 passes with 10 touchdowns and a per-catch average of 14.1 yards last season.
Round 3, No. 92 overall (from Cincinnati): Wanya Morris, OT, Oklahoma
My take:The Chiefs lost both starting tackles from last season, Orlando Brown Jr. and Andrew Wylie, to free agency. They added Taylor in free agency as one replacement, but were left without a proven option on the other side. Morris could be that starter when the season begins. The Chiefs also have Lucas Niang, a former third-round pick who missed most of last season with an injury, so they have a veteran alternative if Morris doesn’t earn the spot.
Key stat: Brown and Wylie combined to start 40 games, all 20 in regular season and playoffs, leaving a huge void in their starting lineup. Taylor will be one starter, most likely on the left side. But Niang has just nine career starts in his two NFL seasons. Even if he winds up as the starter, Morris could be the backup tackle at both positions.
Round 4, No. 119 (from Detroit via Minnesota), Chamarri Conner, S, Virginia Tech
My take: The Chiefs drafted five defensive backs last year and all remain with the team, so there didn't appear much roster room for any newcomers. But the Chiefs traded a 2024 draft pick to move up to get Conner, so they have plans for him. He played both safety and cornerback in college, but he will be a safety to begin his pro career. He's unlikely to immediately crack a top three that includes Justin Reid, Bryan Cook and Mike Edwards so his best chance to contribute as a rookie should be on special teams.
Round 5, No. 166 overall, BJ Thompson, LB, Stephen F. Austin
My take: This isn't a need pick. The Chiefs have Nick Bolton, Willie Gay, Leo Chenal and Drue Tranquill at linebacker. They are taking a shot on being able to develop Thompson's pass-rush skills. If they can, Thompson will be well worth a late fifth-round pick.
Round 6, No. 194 overall (from Detroit): Keondre Coburn, DT, Texas
My take: The Chiefs lost Khalen Saunders in free agency to the New Orleans Saints, leaving a void in their interior defensive line rotation. Coburn could be the one to fill it. Other than Chris Jones, the Chiefs have Derrick Nnadi, Byron Cowart, Tershawn Wharton and now Coburn.
Round 7, No. 250 overall*: Nic Jones, CB, Ball State
My take: The Chiefs apparently believe the old saying a team can never have too many cornerbacks. They drafted three last year and also have a veteran in L'Jarius Sneed and now Jones. Jones will need to show a lot to beat out one of last year's rookies for playing time but there's a roster spot for him if he shows well at training camp.
* Compensatory selection