2023 mock draft roundup: KC Chiefs linked with surprise sliding prospects

Myles Murphy, DE, Clemson

Some of you can finally exhale with this final mock we’ll look at today, the final mock draft from Dane Brugler of The Athletic. The reason for the relief is that the Chiefs finally focused on the defensive side of the ball in this mock, giving the team a pass rusher out of Clemson in Myles Murphy.

In the same way that Darnell Wright would be a surprise at No. 31 overall, Murphy fits the same bill on the defensive side. Few would believe that such a solid pass-rushing prospect would fall all the way to the precipice of Day 2, but it also depends on how contending teams play the final third of the first-round picks, especially when it comes to the skill positions.

If Murphy is there for the taking, it’s a pretty obvious grab for the Chiefs. Murphy is a big 6’5, 270 lb. lineman with a history of disruption against top competition. His motor and burst are elite and the Chiefs will love that quickness mixed with his strength and big frame.

As for fit, there’s an obvious starting spot that Murphy could occupy if he can beat out Charles Omenihu. Between the two of them and George Karlaftis, the Chiefs would finally have a dynamic young trio of edge rushers to put around Chris Jones. With Mike Danna also in the fold, the Chiefs would suddenly look quite deep along the defensive front.