Chiefs 2023 NFL Draft: KC bolsters trenches in five-round mock

It’s no secret that the Chiefs have some issues on the defensive line, especially on the edge. George Karlaftis is beginning to turn a corner and Mike Danna is decent, but Frank Clark and Carlos Dunlap may not be around next season. Even if one returns, Kansas City should bring in multiple players to help fortify the position in the long term.

Isaiah Foskey had a better season in 2021 compared to 2022, which is a little concerning, but he has explosion off the edge and is a strong tackler. He has the speed to complement Karlaftis’ power and has totaled 11 sacks in each of the past two seasons. He’s not a day-one starter but it’s difficult to find those this late in the draft.

Blake Freeland truly has one of the highest pass-blocking ceilings among all tackles in this draft class. The main issue for him is that he is likely in need of a development year. I don’t view him as playable at left tackle in 2023 and I’d be wary of even plugging him in at right tackle. After Darian Kinnard and Lucas Niang, would the Chiefs take another development prospect at offensive tackle? I say yes.

One of the stronger pass protectors in this class, Freeland only surrendered seven pressures in 462 pass-blocking snaps at BYU and has only given up two sacks in 1,418 career snaps. Due to the quality of competition, it would be wise for Kansas City to give him a “redshirt season” before making him the starting blindside blocker. They could franchise tag Orlando Brown Jr. for another season and let him walk after next season in favor of Freeland.