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Why KC Chiefs could go defensive tackle in the first round

By Lyle Graversen

LUBBOCK, TEXAS - OCTOBER 29: Defensive lineman Siaki Ika #62 of the Baylor Bears reacts during the first half of the game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Jones AT&T Stadium on October 29, 2022 in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images)
LUBBOCK, TEXAS - OCTOBER 29: Defensive lineman Siaki Ika #62 of the Baylor Bears reacts during the first half of the game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Jones AT&T Stadium on October 29, 2022 in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images) /
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INGLEWOOD, CA – JANUARY 09: Jalen Carter #88 of the Georgia Bulldogs warms up before the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the TCU Horned Frogs held at SoFi Stadium on January 9, 2023 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images)
INGLEWOOD, CA – JANUARY 09: Jalen Carter #88 of the Georgia Bulldogs warms up before the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the TCU Horned Frogs held at SoFi Stadium on January 9, 2023 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images) /

Early First Round Prospects

Jalen Carter – Georgia

You can make a strong case that the best prospect in the 2023 draft is Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter. Carter is an absolute force on the interior. Georgia’s defense was absolutely loaded with NFL talent and he still managed to stand out over all the other players. He isn’t especially big for a defensive tackle at about 6-foot-3 and 310 pounds, but he can anchor and be a force against the run while also having the freakish athleticism to get after the quarterback on passing downs.

I could spend more time gushing over Carter, but he’s so good there is simply no realistic scenario where K.C. is the team that drafts him. Unless there is a major run on quarterbacks early, it seems like Carter is a lock to go in the first 4-5 picks and could go as early as #1 overall if the Chicago Bears decide not to trade out of the pick.

Bryan Bresee – Clemson

The other defensive tackle that is seen as a lock to go before the Chiefs are on the clock is Clemson’s Bryan Bresee. Bresee is 6-foot-5, 300 pounds, and showed the ability to physically dominate on the interior at times for Clemson. In fact, as a Chiefs fan there were times when I couldn’t help but be reminded of Chris Jones when watching his tape. I’ve seen some people go as far as comping Bresee to Ndamukong Suh, but that’s too rich for my blood. While Bresee’s highlights might show that kind of dominance, his consistency and some health issues would keep me from that type of comp that would warrant a top-five pick.

That having been said, Bresee’s upside is tempting, so much so that it is unlikely that he would make it deep enough into the draft for the Chiefs to get their hands on him. Some people are predicting he could even go top ten, but the top 20 seems more likely to me.

While I like Bresee, I wouldn’t be in favor of the Chiefs giving up more picks to move up high enough to take him, especially since his play mirrors Jones more than it compliments it. While I could live with K.C. taking a defensive tackle at #31 overall, if they are going to trade up, I would prefer it was for a more premium position like offensive tackle or a pass rusher.

So now let’s talk about the guys that could be an option for the Chiefs at the back of the first round.

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