The NFL Combine is finally here, as the Chiefs and members of the other 31 organizations congregate in Indianapolis to evaluate all the best prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft. While there is no way to know exactly what Kansas City plans on doing when they’re on the clock, the following five players could be good fits with the organization if they test well.
Top 5 Chiefs Prospects to Watch at NFL Combine
1. Luke Musgrove, TE
Travis Kelce cannot play forever, and the Chiefs need to think about finding an heir to the throne. Luke Musgrove battled a variety of ailments during his collegiate tenure, but when he’s on the field, he’s unstoppable. The Oregon State product has elite speed and size for the position, and if his testing numbers match up with what’s on tape, the Chiefs would have to think about adding him into the mix. In the short-term, Musgrove and Kelce would form the NFL’s best tight end duo since Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez. Down the road, however, Musgrove has the potential to turn into Kansas City’s next great tight end.
2. Adetomiwa Adebawore, EDGE
Northwestern defensive lineman Adetomiwa Adebawore is going to rise up mock draft boards over the next few days. Adebawore played on a terrible team last year and, because of this, he went overlooked throughout the season. However, now that he has a chance to display his skills alongside the other top prospects at the NFL Combine, the Chiefs and others should be able to see what makes him special.
Adetomiwa Adebawore has the ability to get to the quarterback from both the edge and interior defensive line positions. This versatility is invaluable, especially for Kansas City. As it is, the team is going to need another pass rusher, and that need will only get worse if and when the Chiefs cut Frank Clark.
3. Zay Flowers, WR
The Kansas City Chiefs need another receiver, especially if Juju Smith-Schuster departs in free agency. Skyy Moore showed some signs of life down the stretch, but the Chiefs shouldn’t bank on him turning into a reliable weapon in the passing game. Zay Flowers was made for the Kansas City offense, as he might just be the fastest and most elusive player at his position in this draft class. He can play all over the field and excels at getting open deep, and those two traits are necessities anybody in an Andy Reid offense.
This ROUTE by Zay Flowers 😳
The Boston College WR is one of the best route runners in this year’s NFL Draft. pic.twitter.com/hBsVYMzb8d
— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) February 19, 2023
4. Devon Achane, RB
Isiah Pacheco played well during the back half of the 2022 season, but it’s highly unlikely the team entrusts him to be a full three-down workhorse next year. Kansas City needs another running back for their stable, and Devon Achane is a perfect fit. Blessed with elite speed, the Texas A&M product has the ability to outrun every single defender on the field when given a clear rushing lane. He dominates empty boxes, and nobody faces fewer stacked boxes than the Kansas City Chiefs. Opposing defenses will always be worried about Patrick Mahomes first and foremost, and Achane is the perfect player to capitalize on the lighter boxes.
5. Nolan Smith, EDGE
From a physical standpoint, Nolan Smith is one of the most unique prospects entering the NFL Draft. The edge defender is built like a safety, yet moves like a cornerback. He boasts elite agility and is going to be too fast for slower tackles at the next level. However, his lack of playing size could be an issue, and his testing numbers are going to tell us a lot about his potential fit in the NFL. If he can add muscle without sacrificing any of his elite speed, then he would be an ideal match for the Chiefs.
Main Photo: Winslow Townson – USA Today Sports
