Kansas City Chiefs rookie defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah (hamstring, thumb) didn't get to practice much this offseason after dealing with a sore hamstring and having thumb surgery, which left the coaching staff little time to evaluate him after taking him with the 31st and final pick of the first round in this year's NFL draft. The Chiefs don't expect Anudike-Uzomah to be an immediate starter in 2023, as they also have George Karlaftis, who had six sacks as a rookie in 2022, and free-agent addition Charles Omenihu at defensive end. Kansas City does expect the 21-year-old pass-rusher to play and contribute, though, likely in a situational pass-rushing role.
On Friday, rookie defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah signed a four-year, nearly $12 million deal with Kansas City. The 21-year-old was the last pick in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. He spent three seasons at Kansas State, where he amassed 20.5 sacks and eight forced fumbles during his collegiate career. The former Wildcat underwent thumb surgery before the draft. However, he should be ready to roll for the Thursday night, Week 1 meeting with the Detroit Lions. The rookie also has a chance to see playing time right off the bat, so IDP dynasty managers should take notice.
Felix Anudike-Uzomah Has Path To Immediate Playing Time
Based on his talent and draft position in the first round, Kansas City Chiefs rookie defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah has the easiest path in the team's draft class to get on the field in 2023 and contribute early on. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo loves to add pass-rushers in the draft to develop, and Anudike-Uzomah should grow alongside fellow defensive end George Karlaftis, who was a first-rounder in 2022. Anudike-Uzomah could be most effective on third downs, when the Chiefs could move pass-rusher Charles Omenihu inside next to superstar defensive tackle Chris Jones. The 21-year-old had thumb surgery before the draft, but he should be ready for training camp this summer and Week 1 of his first NFL season this fall.
Kansas City Chiefs rookie defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah (thumb), who was the team's first-round pick in this year's draft, had thumb surgery before the draft but could be back for organized team activities. It sounds like a minor injury, and obviously it didn't affect his draft stock too much, as he was taken 31st overall to close out the first round just a few weeks ago. The 21-year-old pass-rusher stands at 6-foot-3, 255 pounds, which is a bit undersized at his position, but he was extremely productive at Kansas State with 19.5 sacks in his last two seasons. Anudike-Uzomah might not start immediately in his rookie season, but he could eventually develop into a productive three-down role for KC's pass rush.
Chiefs Close Out First Round With Felix Anudike-Uzomah
The Kansas City Chiefs selected Kansas State edge rusher Felix Anudike-Uzomah with the No. 31 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft to close out the first round on Thursday night. Anudike-Uzomah stays in his hometown after earning the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year award while also being named a second-team All-American. He should line up opposite George Karlaftis to give the Chiefs some much-needed pass-rushing help on defense. The 21-year-old defender stands at 6-foot-3, 255 pounds and has an assortment of ways to get to the opposing quarterback. Anudike-Uzomah isn't all that fast, though, so if he can't rely solely on his strength, he could struggle at the next level. However, he has a high motor and should eventually become a starter for KC.
