KC Chiefs: 2023 mock draft brings help to the trenches

After a 5-2 start to the regular season for the KC Chiefs, what does a 2023 NFL mock draft look like for them and what positions could they target?

The Kansas City Chiefs are amidst a two-week break between games due to their bye in Week 8. Even though they are one of the best teams in the NFL, they still have needs on the roster that should be addressed this upcoming offseason, including in the draft.

In 2023, the NFL Draft is coming to Union Station in Kansas City, and the Chiefs are set to host the premier event of the offseason.

What positions will Kansas City be interested in and which college prospects should fans look out for as potential future Chiefs? Which slots are the team currently projected to pick? Let’s answer all of those questions with a way-too-early 2023 mock draft.

For reference, Pro Football Network’s Mock Draft Simulator will be used and they have the Chiefs pegged at 28th, 60th, and 92nd overall. Also, due to the Miami Dolphins losing their 2023 first-round pick, every pick was moved up one spot.

Orlando Brown Jr. and Andrew Wylie have been disappointing this season, especially in protecting Patrick Mahomes. Both players are also scheduled to be free agents after this season so the Chiefs could select an offensive tackle early in the draft next April.

Olumuyiwa “Olu” Fashanu has been one of the biggest risers among offensive tackles this season. Against the three best pass rushes he’s faced so far this season (Purdue, Auburn, and Michigan), he allowed only one pressure in 112 pass-blocking snaps. He has the tools to be a high-level pass-protecting tackle but he’s still developing as a run blocker and is a little raw as an overall prospect. Orlando Brown could be franchise-tagged again to give Fashanu a year to develop.

The Chiefs still have a pass-rushing problem as their front four, outside of Chris Jones, has struggled to get pressure and sacks so it makes sense to double-dip on the defensive line. Jared Verse has the speed and the first step to complement George Karlaftis’ power and the two can form an excellent duo in the future. Similar to Karlaftis, I’m not sure that Verse is an NFL-ready prospect but he has the potential of an 8+ sack-a-year edge rusher.

With Chris Jones eligible for a contract extension this offseason and a free agent after 2023, the Chiefs either need to prepare for life without him or improve the depth around him with cost-effective players. Derrick Nnadi and Khalen Saunders are also unrestricted free agents after this season.

Keeanu Benton is not a high-ceiling pass rusher but can be a good run-stopping nose tackle in the NFL. If Derrick Nnadi does end up leaving next Spring, Benton can come in and potentially be a day-one upgrade, based on how the former has played so far this season. Benton projects to be just as good of a run defender while also having a higher ceiling rushing the passer than Nnadi has ever been.