The Kansas City Chiefs NFL Draft class is set in stone, and the best way to set expectations is to make a few comparisons to pros with similar play styles. While every prospect is unique in their own certain way, every rookie to ever enter the league is akin to an established veteran that has made a respectable career in the NFL.
Pro Comparisons For Every Member of the 2023 NFL Draft Class
Felix Anudike-Uzomah: Jabaal Sheard
Felix Anudike-Uzomah doesn’t have the freak athleticism to ever develop into a superstar, but he has the polish to make an immediate contribution as a starting edge defender. Much like Jabaal Sheard, he probably won’t ever be a consistent double-digit sack guy, and he’s not too versatile, but he will use his speed to get to the quarterback and has the strength to hold up against the run.
1st Round Pick Felix Anudike-Uzomah at #Chiefs rookie camp .. pic.twitter.com/niazj1naCo
— Harold R. Kuntz (@HaroldRKuntz3) May 6, 2023
Rashee Rice: DeVante Parker
The Kansas City Chiefs were linked to DeAndre Hopkins throughout the offseason, but it appears as though they found their big-bodied perimeter receiver during the second round of the NFL Draft. Rashee Rice is not DeAndre Hopkins, but he could carve out a similar career to DeVante Parker. Both players live their lives with a defender on their back but are able to overcome their separation issues by using their larger builds and strength to box out defenders and make plays down the field.
Wanya Morris – Trey Pipkins
Wanya Morris has a chance to compete in a wide-open tackle depth chart, but the rookie probably needs more time to develop before he can play a serious role. Fortunately, there are some tools here: he is fast on his feet and once he engages in a block, that player is completely out of the play. However, the problem is getting him engaged in the first place. Morris possesses poor balance, which means that when defenders engage with him, he struggles to maintain his footwork and loses his balance.
Chamarri Conner – Talanoa Hufanga
Chamarri Conner is the type of player that is at his best near the line of scrimmage. The safety plays a violent, physical style of football and should add some pop to a defense that desperately needs another heavy hitter. While he lacks speed and definitely should never play free safety, he can be effective as a box safety that can cover tight ends in the slot.
The Chiefs got a DOG in Chamarri Conner 😤
🎥: @chamarriconner9 (IG) pic.twitter.com/pufiYnMuzL
— Arrowhead Pride (@ArrowheadPride) April 29, 2023
B.J. Thompson – Mark Anderson
B.J. Thompson possesses an insane amount of raw talent, but he has never been able to translate that into meaningful production on the football field. He only had six sacks throughout his college career, and it’s easy to see why – he’s more of an athlete than a football player. With the right coaching, he could be a steal. Mark Anderson was a similar player, and while he didn’t do too much throughout the majority of his career, he did have a 12-sack season as a rookie and a 10-sack season with the New England Patriots.
Keondre Coburn – Kyle Love
Keondre Coburn is an old-school type of football player that is at his best when he just has to fill space, clog run lanes, and free up others to make plays on the ball. While he’s never going to get after the quarterback with too much frequency, there is still value in a player that can stop teams from getting easy yards on the ground.
Nic Jones – Sidney Jones
Nic Jones is a big, physical cornerback that loves to beat up his receiver at the line of scrimmage and punish the man for having the audacity for trying to get into his route. This aggression carries over into the route itself, which leads to a lot of mistakes based on unearned confidence. Jones is a sucker for double moves and oftentimes tries to jump the route with disastrous results. However, you can’t overlook his physicality, making him a decent backup and a worthy final selection in the Chiefs NFL Draft class.
Main Photo: Trevor Ruszkowski – USA Today Sports
