2023 mock draft: Chiefs take big-time playmakers on both sides of ball
By Grant Tuttle
Even though we just finished one draft, it is always mock draft season. Here is the first look at a seven-round mock for the Chiefs in 2023.
Of course, this mock draft is coming out too early. We are entering a space that is relatively unknown. While all of the players in next year’s draft class have tape, no one has any idea what these players will do next season and what kind of production they could all have. Either way, everyone loves a good mock draft.
So, without having any idea of how much their value will change, we present our very first 2023 seven-round mock draft for the Chiefs and how things could go.
Byron Young has had a very productive career thus far at Alabama. Despite never being the starter at EDGE, he has been a nice rotational piece that has made some plays. Although he has not been a starter, it is not for a lack of talent. Everyone knows there is an incredible amount of talent that is hoarded at Alabama.
While there is some projection here, Young could have a really nice season in ’22. He is a stout defender at the point of attack. Despite being a little heavier than your average edge rusher, Young has an explosive first step and moves very well. It would not be impossible for Young to transition to defensive tackle for the Chiefs at the next level.
Look, no one wants to think about Travis Kelce being an older player, but he is. It’s possible that Kelce plays at a high level late into his thirties, but the Chiefs need to start planning for life after Kelce. Dalton Kincaid would be an excellent pick to be that guy to eventually take the reins.
Kincaid is an average blocker, but he is excellent in the passing game. At 6’4, 242 pounds, Kincaid has a nice catch radius for a quarterback to find in the middle of the field. He is quick off of the line of scrimmage and accelerating downfield. At the current level and the next, he is a true mismatch.