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2023 NFL Draft crushes for the Kansas City Chiefs

By Lyle Graversen

NORMAN, OK - NOVEMBER 20: Wide receiver Marvin Mims #17 of the Oklahoma Sooners points for a first down after making a 22-yard catch to the 12-yard line against the Iowa State Cyclones in the third quarter at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on November 20, 2021 in Norman, Oklahoma. The Sooners won 28-21. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
NORMAN, OK - NOVEMBER 20: Wide receiver Marvin Mims #17 of the Oklahoma Sooners points for a first down after making a 22-yard catch to the 12-yard line against the Iowa State Cyclones in the third quarter at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on November 20, 2021 in Norman, Oklahoma. The Sooners won 28-21. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) /
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MADISON, WISCONSIN – NOVEMBER 05: Keeanu Benton #95 of the Wisconsin Badgers sacks Taulia Tagovailoa #3 of the Maryland Terrapins in the first quarter against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium on November 05, 2022 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)
MADISON, WISCONSIN – NOVEMBER 05: Keeanu Benton #95 of the Wisconsin Badgers sacks Taulia Tagovailoa #3 of the Maryland Terrapins in the first quarter against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium on November 05, 2022 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images) /

Defensive Tackle Draft Crushes

Keeanu Benton – Wisconsin – 6’4″ – 309 lbs – 33 7/8″ arms – 5.08 forty

The more I’ve watched Keeanu Benton, the more convinced I am that he’s going to be one of the best all-around defensive tackles from this draft class. Benton is a physical force in the middle of a defensive line. He was best known as a run-stopper in college, but he has flashed enough athleticism to be a three-down player if given the chance. The Chiefs are still thin at defensive tackle and Benton would be able to be a staple of the rotation from day one. He would also offer them the versatility to replace Derrick Nnadi as the primary run-stopper and/or line up next to Chris Jones to push the pocket on passing downs.

Siaki Ika – Baylor – 6’3″ – 335 lbs – 32 3/8″ arms – 5.39 forty

If you want a true NFL nose tackle, Siaki Ika definitely fits the mold. He’s a massive man with the power and build to clog up the run game. However, Ika has also shown an impressive burst up the middle to disrupt the passing game as well. I wish his arms were a little longer, but I came away a big fan after watching his tape. His build and play style have brought comparisons to Vita Vea and I can definitely see that in his college tape. If the Chiefs think they can get him to reach that kind of ceiling where he’s not just a nose tackle then he might be worth a 2nd round pick.

Brodric Martin – Western Kentucky – 6’5″ – 330 lbs – 35″ arms – 5.34 forty

Dawand Jones, Darnell Washington, Brodric Martin…what can I say, I’m apparently a sucker for huge draft prospects. Martin is raw from a technique standpoint and I don’t think his conditioning could hold up as an every-down player, but his size makes him impossible to move despite his atypical height for a nose tackle. He also shows surprising quickness for someone his size. If the Chiefs don’t take a defensive tackle earlier and want someone who can help play some reps vs the run, Martin would be a great late pick.

Finally, let’s look at a few defensive backs.

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