Not Too Soon: Three Positions of Need for 2023!

Not Too Soon: Three Positions of Need for 2023!

David Bell

No Training Camp Practice Today!

Laddie Morse and I were chatting on the phone the other night about the upcoming 2023 draft. We discussed what the positions of need would be next offseason. I suggested that OT, and the OL in general wasn’t a situation in need at this time.

First, Let’s Double Check the Need for The Offensive Line

Offensive Tackles – As we roll into the season, Orlando Brown Jr. has returned to the fold and I really like what I see from him on the field. He dropped weight and looks quicker and hopefully fulfills the promise he made to himself, betting on his stats. He was tagged and he signed his tag so he lost about $60M in guaranteed monies by making that decision and will be looking for a negotiated deal in 2023 with a new salary package. If Brown doesn’t like what the offer is and won’t sign, Veach can tag him again.

Lucas Niang will return, but I like that GM Brett Veach added Darian Kinnard with an excellent late-round draft pick. Andrew Wylie is likely to start since he is experienced with the Chiefs offense and blocking scheme, and he finished the 2021 season at ROT when Lucas Niang was injured and out for the rest of the year.

Wylie surprised me with his play as the ROT as he performed very well there. The fact is, we had only seen him as an OG, and I was not impressed with his work as the LOG. He did an admirable job when he took over and also throughout the playoffs. Brett Veach also went out and acquired Geron Christian, and there are more OTs beyond those two. Keep in mind that I still view Lucas Niang as a cornerstone player at ROT. Darian Kinnard is going to push for a starting role and all three are players for the right side who fulfill the potency of the offensive line.

Offensive Guard – At Guard, we have two of the best: Trey Smith and Joe Thuney with depth provided by Nick Allegretti, who can also play Center. Wylie, who can move back inside as well, along with rookie UDFA’s Mike Caliendo and Vitaliy Gurman.

Center – We have the best possible answer: Creed Humphrey. Depth would be filled by Austin Reiter and Nick Allegretti.

I am always an advocate of drafting at least one offensive lineman in every draft. In the case of the Chiefs though, there is no position of need that I will identify. If the right player is out there and the round and timing is right, then, by all means, an offensive lineman could and should be selected in the draft.

Second, Let’s Check the Status of the Defensive Line

Edge – Pass rush and QB pressure are crucially important for aerial defense. Getting to the opposing QB provides the means by which secondary coverage of receivers is facilitated. Currently, for the Edge the Chiefs have 2022 covered with three players: Frank Clark, Carlos Dunlap and George Karlaftis. Because Clark has a history that is not stellar with the Chiefs, and since Carlos Dunlap could end up being a one-year rental, the Edge Player in the 2023 draft is strategically needed. Add in the unproven George Karlaftis, the Chiefs need to draft a replacement because of either Clark or Dunlap or both. Yes, Brett Veach drafted George Karlaftis and the outlook for him is very good.

In the background, the Chiefs have Mike Danna, Josh Kaindoh, Malik Herring, and Austin Edwards. The latter four offer me no comfortable forecast for the future. None have proven anything at the NFL level for rushing the passer. Considering we are only assured that Frank Clark is under contract for 2023 and that Karlaftis proves himself capable in his rookie season, I see a definite need to draft a DE and this will likely extend to the 2024 draft as well.

IDL – We have one “Chris Jones” and not the second CJ, which is what we should be trying to draft. if the right player is with trade-up reach for either position, Veach should go after him.

Running Back – There! I’ll say it: We need to consider RB too –> but a player who is available in round 3.

The objective is to find a draft gem while at the same time not using a round 1 or 2 draft pick. At PFF, there is an article that lists the top RBs for 2022/3. I had mentioned the RB Bijan Robinson (UT) in the conversation with Laddie, and today I find that according to PFF, Robinson tops the list. If this list holds out, Robinson will be long gone by the time the Chiefs pick late in round 2 or 3. He is a round 1 talent, but for now, the list gives you a number of talents.

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I would like to see Veach draft an RB in rounds 3-thru-5. Two choices on the list caught my eye: Eric Gray (OU) and Travis Dye (USC), but either or both players will likely be selected in round 1 or 2. Right now? I want to keep a close eye on Zach Evans, who transferred from TCU to Ole Miss, and DeWayne McBride of UAB.

Other Positions of Need

Adding to existing groups such as QB, TE, WR on offense or the LB, CB and Safety groups plus the “Specialists,” should not be of high focus. All seven of these groups could be added to with meaningful picks, but they are not groups where priority focus must be employed.

A Test Case for the Draft (DE, DT & RB)

In my test mock I was able to select a DE (Zach Harrison_OSU – Laddie likes him), a DT (Gervon Dexter of FL) in rounds 1 and 2 and then RB (Zach Evans from Ole Miss), in round 3 and of course. This is way early before the 2022 collegiate season is played, I realize that and it’s the reason I call this a test mock. In another test mock I was able to draft Dexter again, and then DE Felix Anudike-Uzomah (K St). These two positions are the primary concern for the future. Again, I was able to draft Zach Evans of Ole Miss. I am not touting this as meaningful fruit that is ripe for 2023. I was testing the premise based on the way too early current ranking projections. I wanted to see if I could get the players I target and in one of two cases, I was able to get all three. I believe Harrison’s value will rise. Evans may end up being drafted in the first two rounds. It could come down to choose a DT like Dexter with the round one pick.

Six Questions

At this time, I see DE and DT as the #1 and #2 primary positions to target in the draft. What would be best is the DE threesome of Clark, Dunlap, and Karlaftis excels and creates the situation where Veach works to keep both Dunlap and Clark. Meanwhile, Mike Danna, Josh Kaindoh, or Malik Herring could well emerge.

In reality, would ask the ArrowheadOne followers four questions:

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Q1: Do you think the DE Position is resolved for 2022?

Q2: Do you think the players for DE will be retained for 2023, presuming their success in 2022?

Q3: Considering Dunlap is a one-year rental, does this fact mean that the Chiefs should also draft a DE in 2024?

Q4: At DT, the Chiefs have Chris Jones, one of the top players in the NFL. Do we have Chris Jones light from among the DTs on the roster?

Q5: Keeping in mind that CJ is under contract for 2022 and 2023. Does this focus your attention with greater Granularity to make sure a DT is drafted in 2023 and for the 2024 draft?

Q6: At RB, do you believe we have a true feature back among our current RB corp?

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Feed back with a post about your thoughts for 2023. Use the above 3 questions as a basis. Add your own question if you like… to add to the list of questions that need to be asked.

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David Bell – ArrowheadOne

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PS For an extra bit of light reading, please take a look at: “PFF 2022 Preseason Doak Walker Award Watch List: Best running back in college football” and let me know what you think.

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