Keondre Coburn is the KC Chiefs most underrated rookie

When discussing the Kansas City Chiefs' 2023 draft class, the names that immediately come to mind for most fans are Felix Anudike-Uzomah and Rashee Rice, and it's understandable why. However, it's crucial not to overlook Keondre Coburn. Coburn, a defensive tackle from Texas, was selected by the Chiefs in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL draft this past April.

Primarily a run-stuffing defensive tackle, Coburn's playing style differs from that of superstar Chris Jones, who excels as a pass-rush-first defensive lineman. Although Coburn's play style may not be flashy and may not yield exceptional statistics, it holds immense importance. A strong run defense can effectively turn a 4 or 5-yard gain into a 0 or 1-yard one, particularly on early downs. In a sport with as little margin for error as football, this can provide significant advantages. Consistently converting second-and-short/medium situations into second-and-long is invaluable.

Given Chris Jones' primary focus on pass rushing, although he is an exceptional run defender, defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo won't ask him to take on a significant number of snaps on early downs when opposing offenses tend to run the ball. This is where Coburn comes into play. The top two interior defensive linemen on the Chiefs' depth chart, Chris Jones and Tershawn Wharton, are more oriented towards pass rushing rather than run defending. Having players like Coburn, who can handle a substantial number of snaps on early downs while providing quality play, will not only keep Jones fresh but also put the defense in more favorable positions.

Will Keondre Coburn make an impact for the Kansas City Chiefs this season?

While Coburn is a sixth-round rookie, his style of play isn't typically prioritized in higher draft selections. Personally, I anticipated him being chosen in the range of 100-150, so the Chiefs' selection at 194 was an excellent value on draft day and remains so in my opinion.

Realistically, Coburn may never become an All-Pro or even a Pro Bowler, but he can fulfill an underrated role when it comes to building a quality defense. Defending the run from the interior becomes particularly important during the playoffs, and the Chiefs are not particularly well-stocked in that area. While Jones is undeniably exceptional, the team won't rely on him heavily during early downs, as his true value lies in attacking the opposing quarterback on passing downs. Wharton isn't a strong run defender, and Derrick Nnadi's best years are likely behind him.

Prior to the draft, one of the Chiefs' most pressing needs was a run-stuffing defensive tackle, and Coburn perfectly fits that description. He may never be a player with 5.0+ sacks per year, but that's not necessary when the team has Jones. If he can simply be a quality run defender, he will prove to be more than worth his draft selection. In my opinion, while he may not possess the highest ceiling among the Chiefs' 2023 draft class, he stands the best chance of meeting expectations and the lowest chance of falling short.