Kansas City Chiefs 2023 Positions Needed & First Round Draft Picks
Following a thrilling 38-35 win over the Philadelphia Eagles, the Kansas City Chiefs are reigning Super Bowl champions. The Chiefs are officially a dynasty after winning two of the last four Super Bowls and making five consecutive AFC Championship games. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes reminded everyone that Kansas City has plans for more rings by stating, “We’re not done!” NFL odds agree, listing the Chiefs as favorites to win Super Bowl 58 (+600).
Kansas City is riding high following their third Lombardi Trophy. However, the franchise will quickly transition to business as usual with a busy offseason ahead. Rookies played a major factor in the Chiefs’ Super Bowl run. Kansas City will look to address more needs with impact rookies in the 2023 NFL Draft. Check out several potential targets.
Let’s check the most recent NFL picks, statistics, and the top betting insights for the 2023 NFL mock draft. Additionally, we have an abundance of NFL draft odds for your consideration.
2022 Season Record: 14-3
Status of Coach: Andy Reid – Safe
Positions Needed by Chiefs
- Wide receiver
- Offensive tackle
- Defensive line
- Cornerback
Notable Draft Picks
- Round 1, Pick 31
- Round 2, Pick 63
Potential First-Round Targets
Typically, the Super Bowl champions will own the No. 32 overall selection. However, the Miami Dolphins forfeited their No. 21 overall pick due to tampering. The Chiefs will benefit from the punishment with the No. 31 pick.
Free agency will impact what position Kansas City targets in the draft. Starting tackles Orlando Brown Jr. and Andrew Wylie are pending free agents. However, reports emerged that the Chiefs will likely franchise tag Brown for the second consecutive season. If Wylie commands too much money, Kansas City could draft an offensive tackle in the first round.
The No. 31 pick is a great spot to pick a tackle. Darnell Wright (Tennessee) and Dawand Jones (Ohio State) are potential targets with first-round upside. Both players have experience at right tackle, especially Jones, who exclusively started at right tackle.
Backed by impressive strength, Wright would be another enforcer in Kansas City’s improving run game, and he has a terrific punch with strong hands in pass protection. Jones brings a similar skill set to the run game and tremendous length in pass protection thanks to his 6-foot-8 frame. There’s some concern about both players’ mobility due to their large frames. Either prospect would be a good replacement for Wylie.
Tennessee RT Darnell Wright became one of my favorite prospects in the draft after watching Senior Bowl and film from the season. He’s been at his best vs. the best. Will Anderson, B.J. Ojulari, UGA, Clemson, Senior Bowl.
Here are some reps vs. Anderson. Stud. pic.twitter.com/OgZtvV9Byt
— Evan Lazar (@ezlazar) February 6, 2023
Learn More About the AFC West Draft 2023
- Denver Broncos 2023 Positions Needed & First Round Draft Picks
- Las Vegas Raiders 2023 Positions Needed & First Round Draft Picks
- Los Angeles Rams 2023 Positions Needed & First Round Draft Picks
Potential Second-Round Targets
Wide receiver, defensive line, and cornerback are options in the second round. Many expected the 2022 season to be a down year for the Chiefs since they lacked a No. 1 wide receiver.
Kansas City could solidify the group with LSU’s Kayshon Boutte or Wake Forest’s A.T. Perry. Boutte has struggled with consistency but has first-round talent with his elite athleticism and ability after the catch. At 6-foot-5, Perry would give the Chiefs a great red zone threat with his ability to win contested catches.
The Chiefs could also use another edge rusher because who says no to more pass rushing? Iowa State’s Will McDonald IV would be an exciting pick with his excellent length and speed off the edge. Kansas City’s pass rush would have a ton of potential if McDonald joined George Karlaftis, who steadily improved in his rookie season, and Frank Clark.
On the road to Super Bowl 57, Karlaftis, linebacker Leo Chanel, safety Bryan Cook and cornerbacks Trent McDuffie, Joshua Williams, and Jaylen Watson played key roles in Kansas City as rookies. Will the Chiefs repeat with another great draft haul?
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