Chiefs vs. Saints: Defensive players to watch in the first preseason game

Earlier this week, we took a look at a trio of Kansas City Chiefs offensive players to keep an eye on in Sunday's preseason game against the New Orleans Saints. Today, let's look at the defensive side of the football.

Felix Anudike-Uzomah, edge rusher

Back in April, the Chiefs selected Felix Anudike-Uzomah with the 31st overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. This was the second flash point in turnover trajectory at the defensive end position for the team.

Veteran edge Charles Omenihu signed on with the team in March and former starter Frank Clark was released in early June. Anudike-Uzomah represents the future at the position alongside 2022 draft selection George Karlaftis. Fortunately for him, he'll have the opportunity to be eased into the defensive line rotation.

The former K-State Wildcat was sidelined for most of KC's offseason program with a thumb injury he sustained late in the 2022 college football season. He's been healthy during his training camp stint, but it's clear missing OTA's has been an obstacle to his growth thus far. Anudike-Uzomah had this to say about the turbulent offseason he's experienced.

“It affected me quite a bit, not going to lie. A lot of the rookies obviously had to learn technique-wise and go on the field full speed and stuff like that and I had to jump back because of my injury, but now I’m in here, now I’m in training camp, training camps a great time to be – time to get your footwork down, get everything down to be ready for the preseason.”

Sunday will be a great litmus test for just how far he's come during the two weeks of training camp. Knocking the rust off has been key for the former All-American and he should have plenty of opportunity to continue to do that with live game reps. I'm anxious to see where he is and whether or not he can make an impact as a pass rusher and edge setter.