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2023 NFL Draft: KC Chiefs pick pass rusher B.J. Thompson in fifth round

By Matt Conner

Sep 11, 2021; Lubbock, Texas, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders defensive tackle TJ Storment (51) blocks Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks defensive end BJ Thompson (3) in the first half at Jones AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2021; Lubbock, Texas, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders defensive tackle TJ Storment (51) blocks Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks defensive end BJ Thompson (3) in the first half at Jones AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Kansas City Chiefs added the next member of their 2023 rookie class with the selection of B.J. Thompson out of Stephen F. Austin.

With their fifth round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, the Kansas City Chiefs have added further help at defensive end with the choice of small-school edge rusher B.J. Thompson.

Thompson is a small-school flyer out of Stephen F. Austin who began his collegiate career at Baylor. Thompson visited the Chiefs earlier this spring, so the interest has been telegraphed there all along, and the Chiefs took the opportunity to add the developmental player with their fifth-round selection. He stood out at the East-West Shrine Bowl and has a real chance to grow into a situational rusher.

The Chiefs addressed the need for edge help first overall in the draft when they closed the opening round with the selection of Kansas State pass rusher Felix Anudike-Uzomah. Now with Thompson in the mix, the Chiefs have two first-year players to pair with last year’s first-round pick George Karlaftis and holdover Mike Danna–a nice foursome on their rookie deals. Together with new free agent signing Charles Omenihu, the Chiefs have a solid pass rushing corps going into 2023.

The Chiefs have taken four players so far in the draft, including two on each side of the ball. Patrick Mahomes is going to be happy to see a new target in SMU WR Rashee Rice and more protection along the line with Oklahoma OT Wayna Morris on the roster. The first-round selection of Anudike-Uzomah will bolster the d-line as needed, while Virginia Tech DB Chamarri Conner creates some very interesting competition in a loaded secondary.

Kansas City Chiefs 2023 NFL Draft picks

  1. Felix Anudike-Uzomah, DE, Kansas State (No. 31)
  2. Rashee Rice, WR, SMU (No. 55)
  3. Wanya Morris, OT, Oklahoma (No. 92)
  4. Chamarri Conner, DB, Virginia Tech (No. 119)
  5. B.J. Thompson, DE, Stephen F. Austin (No. 166)
  6. Round 6: No. 178 (from Bears through Dolphins)
  7. Round 6, No. 217
  8. Round 7: No. 250

Regrading the Chiefs 2022 draft class. dark. Next

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