The Super Bowl LVII Champion Kansas City Chiefs hold the 31st pick in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Last year, the Chiefs made two selections in the first round with Trent McDuffie & George Karlaftis. Now, let’s look at a few options in the 2023 NFL Draft.
3 Possible Kansas City Chiefs First Round Draft Picks
Brian Branch, S Alabama
Brian Branch is a versatile, physical, playmaking safety that quickly diagnoses plays and understands situational football. His football intelligence and instincts lead to him consistently making big-time plays. He is coming off an incredibly productive season with 90 total tackles, 14 tackles-for-loss, three sacks, and two interceptions.
With the Chiefs, Branch would have an opportunity right away to come into the lineup and produce. The Chiefs did sign free-agent safety Mike Edwards to a one-year deal this offseason, but with no long-term option next to safety Justin Reid, Branch could flash his potential immediately and make his presence known in Steve Spagnuolo’s defense. The Chiefs spent multiple draft picks in last year’s draft on defensive backs, and with this option, they can continue to build a secondary looking to limit the passing attacks aiming to keep up with Patrick Mahomes.
Jahmyr Gibbs, RB Alabama
The second member of the Crimson Tide on this Kansas City Chiefs draft list, Jahmyr Gibbs. Gibbs is an extremely explosive runner that displays unreal speed with the ball in his hands. While Clyde Edwards-Helaire has not worked out as a first-round running back, these are completely different players.
Gibbs ran a 4.36 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. That speed ranked second among all running backs, and it definitely shows up on film. Gibbs also displays great vision, and once he sees the opening, he can get to top speed in a flash. Drafting Gibbs will also come with added value as a pass-catcher. He had over 100 receptions in college at an average of 11.8 yards per reception, showing his big-play ability.
Jerick McKinnon has also not re-signed with the Chiefs this offseason, leaving his role unfilled. It has been evident how valuable McKinnon has been to the team, and Gibbs could be looking to step into that role. McKinnon is well-known around the league for his pass protection, including during his time with the Chiefs. Gibbs will need to improve in this area, but has the potential to do so. The Chiefs have utilized a band of running backs for multiple seasons, and the thought of adding the lightning of Gibbs to Isiah Pacheco’s thunder could make any Chiefs fan excited.
Dalton Kincaid, TE Utah
Ranked by many as the top tight end in perhaps the best tight end class in a decade is Dalton Kincaid. He is an incredibly smooth and natural athlete who is known for his pass-catching and route-running ability. He is not known for being dominant as a run-blocker with overpowering size, but that is not why he is being drafted. Kincaid has plenty of size to dominate smaller defensive backs in the pass game, along with quick feet and crisp route-running ability to create separation.
It is unlikely that Kincaid will drop as far as pick 31, so for this pick to happen, it is likely the Kansas City Chiefs will have to trade up in the draft. If Kincaid slips outside of the top 20, do not be surprised when the Chiefs move up to snatch him, similar to their trade up for Trent McDuffie last year. Obviously, the Chiefs have Travis Kelce, who is clearly in the discussion for the best tight end of all time. However, Kelce is currently 33 years old, and will turn 34 during the season.
It is entirely possible that Kelce could play for many years to come, but even the great Tony Gonzalez only played until he was 37. No one can ever replace Travis Kelce, but eventually, that role of move tight end will need to be filled while Patrick Mahomes is around. If Kincaid slides, it would be an absolute luxury for Kincaid to learn from one of the greatest tight ends of all time, and to hopefully fill the role that the great #87 has for so many years.
Trade the Pick
The Kansas City Chiefs hold the last pick in the first round of the draft. Historically, this has been a pick many teams trade in or out of. A team will see a player they have high on their board, and want to secure him. This would also allow them to secure a fifth-year option for first-round picks. Doing so would make sense for the Chiefs by snagging an additional second and fourth-round pick to their draft. During his time as General Manager for the Chiefs, Brett Veach has shown he is willing to wheel and deal. Trading this pick could be a great opportunity for the Chiefs to bring on additional draft picks.
Main Photo: Gary Cosby – USA Today Sports
