Arrowhead Addict
FanSided

Kansas City Chiefs draft needs: The top 20 edge prospects

By Lyle Graversen

MANHATTAN, KS - OCTOBER 01: Defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah #91 of the Kansas State Wildcats gets set on defense against the Texas Tech Red Raiders during the first half at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium on October 1, 2022 in Manhattan, Kansas. (Photo by Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images)
MANHATTAN, KS - OCTOBER 01: Defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah #91 of the Kansas State Wildcats gets set on defense against the Texas Tech Red Raiders during the first half at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium on October 1, 2022 in Manhattan, Kansas. (Photo by Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 5
Next
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DECEMBER 31: Will Anderson Jr. #31 of the Alabama Crimson Tide stands on the field during the Allstate Sugar Bowl against the Kansas State Wildcats at Caesars Superdome on December 31, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Alabama Crimson Tide won the game 45 – 20. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DECEMBER 31: Will Anderson Jr. #31 of the Alabama Crimson Tide stands on the field during the Allstate Sugar Bowl against the Kansas State Wildcats at Caesars Superdome on December 31, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Alabama Crimson Tide won the game 45 – 20. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /

The Top Edge-Rushg Prospects

These five prospects are all predicted to go early enough in the first round that the Chiefs would likely have to trade up for them. If one of them did slide all the way to pick #31 the Chiefs would likely jump at the chance to take them.

1. Will Anderson – Alabama – 6’4″ – 253 lbs – 33 7/8″ arms

Will Anderson is the clear top edge prospect in this class and should be a lock to go in the top five picks. We can move on because the Chiefs have no shot at him.

2. Tyree Wilson – Texas Tech – 6’6″ – 271 lbs – 35 5/8″ arms

Tyree Wilson’s size and athletic profile would be a dream come true for Steve Spagnuolo, but Wilson looks like he’s a lock to be a top ten pick. It would take a very unexpected slide to even put him in range for a trade-up scenario.

3. Myles Murphy – Clemson – 6’5″ – 268 lbs – 33 3/4″ arms

Myles Murphy has all the tools to be an elite every-down edge player. He’s a little raw right now, which has his projections a little mixed. Some see his elite upside as worthy as a top ten pick. Others see him as more of a project that could slide into the second half of the first round. If he does slide he fits what the Chiefs may be looking for and would likely temp them to consider a trade up.

4. Nolan Smith – Georgia – 6’2″ – 238 lbs – 32 5/8″ arms

I’m torn on Nolan Smith and the Chiefs. On one hand, he has the profile to be an explosive edge rusher and that is something the Chiefs could really use. On the other hand, he meets none of the thresholds that Spagnuolo prefers in his edge players. Does that mean K.C. wouldn’t even consider him if he slides into the range of a reasonable trade up or would his pass rush upside make him an exception? I have my doubts, but love Smith as a player.

5. Lukas Van Ness – Iowa – 6’5″ – 272 lbs – 34″ arms

Lukas Van Ness isn’t the same player as Myles Murphy, but I feel the same way about him. He perfectly fits what Spags wants in an edge player. He’s a little raw, but he’s young and has a ton of potential. He’s not a polished pass rusher, but he does have more edge-rushing upside than most guys his size. He’s another guy I think the Chiefs would consider a trade up for if he slides.

Now let’s look at the top options for the Chiefs if they stay at pick #31.

Home/Kansas City Chiefs Draft