Round 3 (75) T'Vondre Sweat, Interior Defensive Line, Texas
The Chiefs have a need for "beef" on the interior of the defensive line. Sweat is an impact run-stopper that could be had on day 2 of the draft. Sweat has an excellent 90.9 PFF run defense grade and an encouraging 16.9% pass-rush win rate. Sweat comes in at 6'4" and over 360 pounds, and the good news is he's explosive at that weight and could easily lose some to be even more nimble. Sweat will rise up boards throughout the draft cycle. His fellow defensive tackle Byron Murphy II could also be a fit for the Chiefs on day 2.
How he fits: Chiefs have lots of questions along the interior of the defensive line in 2024. Sweat won't be a replacement for Chris Jones but he's raw enough and talented enough that he can make an impact in 2024. The Chiefs will be able to leverage Charles Omenihu for interior pass rush as well in 2024.
Shades of: Michael Pierce
Texas DT T’Vondre Sweat has the strength & quickness to be a consistent disruptive force vs the run & pass. 💪🏾pic.twitter.com/QNhvVgfOR7
— Full-Time Dame 💰 (@DP_NFL) November 8, 2023
Round 3 (94): Bucky Irving, Running Back, Oregon
The Chiefs offense needs playmakers and Bucky Irving is just that. He had over 1,300 yds from scrimmage last year for Oregon and is likely going to surpass that number this weekend for his 2023 season. Irving is smaller for an NFL back at 5'10", 195 lbs., but his usage in the Oregon system is very translatable to an NFL system. He's quick, explosive, physical after the catch, and has been a threat in the receiving game. Irving's vision has been excellent at the collegiate level.
How he fits: The Chiefs already have a solid running back in Isiah Pacheco but Bucky Irving is a clear replacement for Jerick McKinnon. The Chiefs rely on outside zone runs to be a part of their offense despite the fact that Pacheco doesn't really fit that role. McKinnon is 31 years old and has a lengthy injury history. So far, he's rushed the ball 12 times this season, making him almost exclusively a pass-catching back. Irving can fill both voids for the Chiefs moving forward and take some carries off Pacheco's plate.
Shades Of: J.K. Dobbins
BUCKY for 6️⃣@oregonfootball going OFF! pic.twitter.com/ze0LiSNO6J
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 12, 2023