Just three years ago, the Chiefs were fresh off another Super Bowl victory and preparing to host the 2023 NFL Draft in Union Station. The Chiefs held the 31st pick in the draft (due to Miami forfeiting their first-round pick) and were hoping to reload for another Super Bowl push. In what felt like a full-circle moment for a longtime Kansas City native, the Chiefs selected Kansas State star Felix Anudike-Uzomah (FAU) with their first-round pick.
From day one, the Chiefs knew that Anudike-Uzomah would be somewhat of a project player. Coming from the 3-3-5 style defense run at Kansas State, where he primarily played in the 4i technique, adjusting to being a five-tech defensive end was going to take some time. The Chiefs have been patient with FAU, hoping that with time, he would be able to adapt and that his athleticism would allow him to become a key contributor for the Chiefs.
Why the Chiefs still believe in FAU
In his first two seasons with the team, things did not go as planned, as Anudike-Uzomah struggled to find the field and, when he did, had a lot of inconsistencies. There were flashes of an explosive athlete who could get off the edge, turn speed into power, and get to the quarterback. But at the same time, inconsistency in the run game and an inability to reliably set the edge made it hard for FAU to consistently find the field.
Going into last season, hopes were high for Anudike-Uzomah, as the team expected him to become a key part of their defensive line rotation. But when he went down with a hamstring injury in a preseason game against the Seahawks, his entire season got derailed. Later, he was placed on Injured Reserve, and FAU never saw the field for the Chiefs during their disastrous 2025 season.
The expectations for FAU have changed
This past week, the Chiefs declined the fifth-year option on FAU's contract, making this his last year under contract in Kansas City. Many fans are disappointed and have even called for the Chiefs to just cut their losses and move on in favor of other young players. But hope is not entirely lost for FAU, and if fans can reshape their expectations for him, it is very possible that FAU can make the most of this so-called "prove it" year before the Chiefs have to decide about his future.
The 2026 season will be the year FAU proves himself and shows both the Chiefs and other NFL teams that he can stick in the NFL. Kansas City will need him to step up, as their defensive end room is far from a strong suit. FAU will need to be a key contributor alongside another former first-round pick, George Karlaftis, a third-round pick, Ashton Gillotte, and this year's second-round selection, R Mason Thomas.
It is very clear that, from a raw skills standpoint, Anudike-Uzomah has what it takes to be a strong NFL player. But it is all a matter of him putting it together and finding results, and while it has been a long wait, it feels like 2026 will be his best (and maybe last) opportunity to do so.
In the back of our minds, the expectations for Anudike-Uzomah will always be what fans were looking for when he was selected in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. But as of now, it is clear that the production and development have yet to come. The expectation for FAU this year should be simple: consistency off the edge.
Why 2026 is a make-or-break season for FAU
It is also important to note that he is only 24 years old and younger than multiple rookies on the Chiefs' roster today. Age is a factor here, as Anudike-Uzomah was only 21 years old when drafted, and everyone was aware of his raw potential and inexperience. For perspective, Akheem Mesidor was the 22nd overall pick in the draft and is almost a full year older than FAU.
Chiefs fans should not be looking for Anudike-Uzomah to rack up sack totals or lead the team in pressures. Rather, they should look at how often he can find the field, how well he can defend the run, and whether he is impactful in setting the edge against more mobile quarterbacks. If he is able to bring that consistency to the table, He could easily be a starter on the Chiefs' defensive line and could even work himself into a short extension with the team this offseason.
My prediction for Anudike-Uzomah this season is that he will be a major contributor on the defensive line in 2026 and will rotate on the weak side with Ashton Gillotte, across from George Karlaftis. Steve Spagnuolo will use the K-State product in several ways, both as a pass rusher from the five-tech and over the tackle in a 4-tech to help set up pass rushes for R Mason Thomas or his wide range of dialed-up late-game blitzes.
Being drafted in the first round is a lot of pressure, let alone being drafted by the reigning Super Bowl champions and your hometown team. The message I want to send is simple: It is okay to be disappointed with the return the Chiefs have gotten from their 2023 first-round pick. But the reality is that we cannot go back and change the pick, and even if FAU can contribute as an early-down run defender, that would be immensely valuable to the Chiefs this season.Â
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