In the last selection of the 2023 NFL Draft’s opening round, the Kansas City Chiefs selected Felix Anudike-Uzomahsa How did the Chiefs Kingdom react to the pick?
It was nearly Friday morning by the time the Kansas City Chiefs made their first selection in the 2023 NFL Draft. Such are the problems of the reigning Super Bowl champions. NFL fans descended upon Kansas City for the draft this year, making for a memorable and profitable experience for the Kansas City area. That profitable experience extended to the Chiefs themselves when Felix Anudike-Uzomah fell to them at 31st overall.
Anudike-Uzomah was ESPN analyst Mel Kiper’s 39th-ranked prospect in this year’s draft. He certainly fills a need for the Chiefs, who are yet again a Super Bowl favorite ahead of the 2023 season, as a potential starting end across from George Karlaftis. In the face of veteran losses like Carlos Dunlap and Frank Clark, the Chiefs did well to add Anudike-Uzomah to the mix.
Anudike-Uzomah is not only a great talent but he’s an even better story as a local kid who went to Lee’s Summit High School before playing collegiately at Kansas State. Now he can remain in the area around family and friends while trying to help the team he grew up watching.
The Chiefs’ faithful had some quick opinions on the newest Chief and the scenario around how he came to Kansas City. Here were some of our favorites. The good news is that some really believe this pick is going to make a big difference in K.C.
Andy Reid on Felix Anudike-Uzomah: "Felix is a heck of a player. He's also a KC native, so we appreciate that part of it, too. When you're picking right there at 31, you take the best player available. He was that guy."
— Nate Taylor (@ByNateTaylor) April 28, 2023
#ChiefsKingdom, I LOVE that pick! Felix Anudike-Uzomah is going to develop into a double-digit SACK ARTIST! #NFLDraft2023
— Justin M (@JustinM_NFL) April 28, 2023
🔥@fanudike x @TheDraftNetwork 🤝https://t.co/CyBh816Ryw
Felix Anudike-Uzomah is 21 years old, understands how to slip blocks and has very intriguing pass rush upside. KSt’s scheme limited what he could explore and he played through injury this past year, but his tape shows a guy that’s both a Spags edge and presents more juice.
— DMac Wake (@DMacWake316) April 28, 2023
"Anudike-Uzomah projects well as an outside rusher who can also kick inside, and that makes him an intriguing addition to Steve Spagnuolo's complex, blitz-friendly schemes -- especially since he'll be in fewer three-man fronts in the NFL." https://t.co/dNjZCC1Z9J
— Doug Farrar ✍ (@NFL_DougFarrar) April 28, 2023
Kansas City just got a fucking dog! LFG! Felix Anudike-Uzomah is gonna wreck havoc 🔥
— Derrick Wright (@DerrickWright72) April 28, 2023
Anudike-Uzomah. Danna. Karlaftis. Omenihu.
— Adam Best (@Arrowhead_Adam) April 28, 2023
The Chiefs are about to overdose on high-motor edges.
Chiefs reporter Herbie Teope not only likes the pick but reminds us of the future financial value added to an expensive position.
A lot of Chiefs Kingdom was into the hometown kid storyline (as we should be).
The moment Clark Hunt announced his team's selection of Felix Anudike-Uzomah. You simply cannot script it any better. KC native, Kansas State Wildcat and now a Kansas City Chief. The Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year is going home.@fanudike@KStateFB@Chiefs
— Glenn Kinley (@glenn_kinley) April 28, 2023
Video: ABC pic.twitter.com/yxNFMeVQqP
THE SUPER BOWL CHAMPION KANSAS CITY CHIEFS DRAFT KANSAS STATE BIG 12 CHAMPION FELIX ANUDIKE-UZOMAH WHO IS FROM KANSAS CITY!!! https://t.co/a9fX6AwMec
— Kez Demby (@kezdemby22) April 28, 2023
Overall, most fans seem to approve even if it’s not the moonshot some were hoping for in the first round.
Let's see your instant grade for the #Chiefs first-round pick of Felix Anudike-Uzomah
— Arrowhead Addict (@ArrowheadAddict) April 28, 2023