Grading the Chiefs' 2023 NFL Draft Class
The Kansas City Chiefs' 2023 NFL Draft haul has been finalized, and general manager Brett Veach made a pick in each of the draft's seven rounds this year.
Adding intriguing upside on both sides of the ball, Kansas City navigated the board throughout the week and executed multiple trades that put them in the best positions to either draft their desired players or preserve future selections. The Chiefs added depth to a Super Bowl-winning roster, and the next several weeks, months and years will determine whether their decisions were the right ones.
With the draft now in the books and undrafted free agent news rolling in, the Arrowhead Report crew gathered to grade and discuss the Chiefs' 2023 draft class.
Joshua Brisco: The Chiefs didn’t just select positions of need in this year’s draft, they landed players at positions of need at premium positions. That fact is the main reason why I’m not terribly bothered by the Chiefs being near the bottom of consensus big board charts that show the Chiefs over-drafting in terms of value. Their trade-ups weren’t costly and they selected high-upside athletes who could have some immediate impact but should be expected to shine as their careers go on — and as some current Chiefs will head to other destinations in years to come.
They could have gotten luckier with how the board fell in the first two days, but that’s the consequence of winning the Super Bowl and picking at the end of each round. It’s not a terrible trade.
Grade: B
Mark Van Sickle: The Chiefs added players at positions of need on the first two days of the draft with defensive end, wide receiver and right tackle. Day 3 was filled with depth picks on the defensive side of the ball. It wasn’t the flashiest draft, but it’s a group that should be able to get to work and the top half of their picks should make a difference in year one. That’s all you can ask for from the Super Bowl champs looking to repeat.
Grade: B+
Zack Eisen: The Chiefs addressed most of, if not all, of their needs in the draft. They bet on athleticism and experience throughout the draft in the hopes of getting guys who are ready to contribute now with possibly more upside. While I don’t necessarily see eye to eye with Brett Veach on every move, I commend him for being aggressive and not being afraid to get the guy he believes in. He’s earned the right to have everyone withhold final judgment until the rookies hit the field, but because of how I ranked and graded these prospects during the pre-draft process, I can’t give him higher than a B- at the moment.
Grade: B-
Conner Christopherson: The Chiefs needed an EDGE, Offensive tackle, and wide receiver and the Chiefs got those three positions on the first two days of the draft. The reason I am not over the moon with the draft is the players they got to fill those needs. I like them, but don’t love them. Felix Anudike-Uzomah is a bendy pass rusher from local college Kansas State, who was a pretty solid pick, but Nolan Smith was right there. Rashee Rice is a fun highlight wide receiver at SMU, but he doesn’t really create separation along his routes.
Wanya Morris is a really nice developmental tackle, but that still might mean Lucas Niang possibly starts this year. All of the “buts” are still fine, but it is easy to see how the draft could be perceived better if the dice were cast just a bit differently. Keondre Coburn was a great Day 3 pickup and my favorite pick of the draft, yet he’s still a Round 6 guy. My favorite part of the draft wasn’t even a pick — it was that Brett Veach was savvy with trade-ups and trade-backs. If that continues into the future, the Chiefs are in good shape. The class overall should still feature solid contributors with some upside due to their athleticism. The feeling after the draft doesn’t match 2022, but hey, maybe Veach and the rookies will surprise me.
Grade: B-
Jordan Foote: The Chiefs addressed premium positions at the top of this draft, which is something Veach hasn't always gone for in the past. The team also added versatility and potential with a few of its picks, making for a well-rounded draft class. Value and immediate impact are questionable, though, and those answers won't be found for at least the middle or end of the 2023-24 season. There's a lot up in the air about this specific class as the paint dries but strictly based on pre-draft projected value for these players and their current fits in Kansas City, Veach deserves a solid grade for the job he did while also being challenged a bit.
Grade: B-
