Never-Too-Early 2024 Offensive Prospects to Watch for the KC Chiefs
The NFL Draft was an overwhelming success in Kansas City. The NFL, the city, and everyone who put in the effort to make this event happen did a fantastic job. It was a family-friendly environment while just looking like a really fantastic product on television that made Kansas City look beautiful.
The Kansas City Chiefs were able to add defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah, wide receiver Rashee Rice, offensive tackle Wanya Morris, defensive back Chamarri Conner, edge defender BJ Thompson, defensive tackle Keondre Coburn, and cornerback Nic Jones. While Chiefs Kingdom is still just getting to know these new faces in the organization, it’s never too early to start looking ahead to next year’s draft. Here are some offensive players to watch on Saturdays this fall and some names to remember as the Chiefs' long-term future continues to be built.
Wide receiver: Xavier Worthy, Texas (Round 1)
Xavier Worthy burst onto the scene as a freshman at Texas, landing in the top five in the nation in yards per reception and yards after catch during his first collegiate season. His production numbers dropped off a bit last year, part of that due to inconsistent quarterback play, but he needs to get back to that level in 2023 to boost his draft stock. He has the potential to be one of the biggest playmakers in college football and could be a late first-round selection, which is where the Chiefs are planning to have their first 2024 pick. Worthy would definitely be worthy of consideration if he’s still available when the Chiefs are on the clock.
Offensive lineman: Cooper Beebe, Kansas State (Round 2)
Cooper Beebe is a dominant force up front for the Kansas State Wildcats and has experience at tackle and guard. He hasn’t allowed a sack in over two years and was the highest-rated guard in college football last season according to Pro Football Focus. Generally, guards aren’t drafted very highly, but Beebe could crack into the first round if he has another solid season for the Wildcats. Adding another versatile offensive lineman to the mix would be another great piece for the Chiefs in their quest to keep Patrick Mahomes as healthy as possible.
Tight end: Arik Gilbert, Nebraska (Round 3)
Arik Gilbert started at LSU before transferring to Georgia and sitting behind two stars in Brock Bowers and Darnell Washington. To get out of their shadow and have an opportunity to be a premium pass-catching option, Gilbert is testing the waters at Nebraska going into the 2023 season. Gilbert is a freak athlete and has a physical skill set that is rare at the collegiate level. Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 260 lbs, with speed to boot, he could be a standout for the Huskers in 2023. He could rise up draft boards with a solid season or could be a middle-round prospect, possibly even going back to college if he doesn’t live up to expectations. We all know future Hall-of-Famer Travis Kelce won’t be able to play forever, so getting a young tight end in the room to work with him wouldn’t be a bad option in the middle rounds of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Running back: Devin Neal, Kansas (Round 4)
The real deal, Devin Neal, has been a human highlight reel at times for the Kansas Jayhawks. He can make defenders miss, break tackles, catch the ball out of the backfield, and he has the speed to break away in the open field. He’d be a nice addition to any backfield, but especially as an option for the Chiefs. Neal also has experience as a punt- and kick-returner and could be utilized on special teams, which is always a plus. Getting a local kid in the middle of the draft would also be fun for some Chiefs fans who have seen KC add players from Missouri and K-State in recent drafts. With the Chiefs not picking up the fifth-year option for Clyde Edwards-Helaire, a running back would be a pick that makes sense at this point.
Quarterback: Jayden Daniels, LSU, (Round 5-7)
Quarterback won’t be a pressing need for the Chiefs for the next decade as long as Patrick Mahomes is healthy and happy within the organization. So far in Mahomes’ career, head coach Andy Reid and general manager Brett Veach have prioritized having long-tenured backup quarterbacks on the roster. Matt Moore, Chad Henne, and now Blaine Gabbert have been the veteran signal-callers behind Mahomes. Eventually, they will want to train and have a younger QB ready to go behind Mahomes in case of an injury. It will take time to build them up in Reid’s offense, so taking a late-round stab on an athletic guy like Jayden Daniels wouldn’t be a bad pick in one of the later rounds.
While we still have some time to get used to the Chiefs' 2023 NFL Draft class, it’s never too early to look ahead. Next week, we’ll take a look at the defensive side of the ball in the 2024 class.
