Kansas City Chiefs’ 2023 Draft Might Not Be As Good As 2022- Here’s What the Rookie Numbers Say

Football is a sport where the odds of a team’s success depend heavily on how it drafts and develops its team. And the Kansas City Chiefs have taken that to the extreme. But it would be better to say that the salary cap rule forced them to that extreme. This year, and the last, the spotlight is thoroughly on the Chiefs’ lineup of rookies. Last year, the Chiefs set an NFL record in activating the most number of rookies in the Super Bowl. As we know, the Chiefs then went on to win last year’s SB.

But the NFL Draft class of 2023 isn’t as formidable as the class of 2022. A number of analysts have poured in with their review of the draft class. Some are happy, some expected this, while others are disappointed. And among the rookies, three names stand out. Two names who held much promise. But have they stood up to their expectations?

Class of ’22 outdoes Class of ’23 by a huge margin

The Chiefs’ rookie squad totaled 3,721 snaps in the 2022 season. So, on average, the Chiefs were giving about 220 snaps per game to drafted rookies. On the contrary, the class of ’23 was offered almost three-quarters less at 59 snaps per game. But analysts are divided over their performance and results range from an A to a C. The NFL’s official website’s writer Chad Reuter, for example, gave the Chiefs rookie squad a B+.

While writing for The Ringer, Danny Kelly gave them a C. He was particularly impressed by Anudike-Uzomah but doubted the Chiefs’ decision to pick up wideout Rashee Rice. “He’ll have to improve his consistency and develop as a more nuanced route runner if he hopes to stand out among a crowded Kansas City receivers group.”

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Sporting News’ Vinnie Iyer, on the other hand, gave them an A. “The Chiefs, like they always do with Brett Veach, had a good understanding of needs and where to replenish their roster with their kinds of offensive and defensive players for Andy Reid and Steve Spagnuolo.” Iyer also suggested that to make the most of the rookie squad, the Chiefs need to put more effort on pass rushers and add tackle depth. However, two names from the rookie squad were the focus of many analysts’ opinions.

Rashee Rice and Anudike-Uzomah excite analysts

Rashee Rice’s best characteristic is his work after a catch. Whenever the Chiefs need to make a play on shallow routes, Rice is the preferred player. His average depth of target is just 5.9 yards, but he leads the entire NFL and not just first-years with an average of 8.2 yards after catch per reception.

Felix Anudike-Uzomah who was the 31st overall, but 1st-round pick of the Chiefs, performed below expectations from the get-go. His snaps per game are on the decline, indicating that the Chiefs are slowly losing patience with him. But in terms of ranking, he’s the third-best among rookie edge rushers in quarterback hits. With the Chiefs in their bye week right now, what surprises can we expect from the rookies once they’re all freshened up and ready for action?

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