Chiefs 2023 NFL Mock Draft Roundup 4.0

Let's take a fresh look at who analysts are projecting will become a Chief at pick No. 31

The 2023 NFL Draft is less than three full weeks away, and the Kansas City Chiefs' efforts preparing for the event will soon come to fruition in the form of numerous players joining the organization fresh out of college.

General manager Brett Veach has a ton of draft picks at his disposal, allowing him to navigate up and down the board as he so chooses. Additionally, his success in last year's draft leaves fewer holes to patch up this time around. With that said, there are still several spots on the team that could benefit from some added depth and high-end potential.

Who are mock draft analysts from around the country projecting will become Chiefs at the end of the first round? Let's find out in Mock Draft Roundup 4.0.

All mocks are updated as of April 7.

Pro Football Network: Kelee Ringo (CB, Georgia)

In Dalton Miller's three-round mock for Pro Football Network, he has the Chiefs rolling the dice on Georgia cornerback Kelee Ringo. One of the better defensive back prospects in this year's class, Ringo has the ceiling of a star-level player and is a tremendous athlete. His frame and physical nature make him an ideal fit in Steve Spagnuolo's scheme, although the need for another cornerback following last offseason's impressive haul is questionable. Here is Miller's reasoning: 

No player in the entire draft class was more frustrating to watch than Kelee Ringo. The curveball he threw everyone by not testing like a freak didn’t quell concerns. It’s almost as if he has ADHD in coverage. He’ll display outstanding communication and intelligence in coverage for 75% of a rep and then lose his mind. He’s a bit stiff, but like Tyson Campbell in Jacksonville, it’s not so bad that he can’t be successful at the next level.

He’s risky, but the way he handled the complex Georgia defense provides hope for his ability to play under Steve Spagnuolo.

NFL.com: Cedric Tillman (WR, Tennessee)

Lance Zierlein's mock draft 3.0 sees Tennessee wideout Cedric Tillman become a Chief at 31st overall, and that pick can be viewed one of two ways. On one hand, Tillman was injured for a lot of the 2022 campaign, didn't flash nearly enough to make him a fringe first-round talent and is an older prospect. On the other hand, he's a big-bodied receiving target who had over 1,000 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns just one season prior. The upside is likely still there in some capacity, and Zierlein believes the value is as well:

Tillman totaled 17 catches for 352 yards and two touchdowns in games against Georgia and Alabama in 2021 when he was fully healthy. With his high ankle sprain behind him, this is a steal.

ESPN: Felix Anudike-Uzomah (EDGE, Kansas State)

Todd McShay's newest two-round mock for ESPN sends a local prospect on his way home. Kansas State pass-rusher Felix Anudike-Uzomah falls on the extreme low end of what Steve Spagnuolo typically prefers from his defensive ends, but there also may be some untapped potential in this prospect's game due to his usage on the Wildcats. Anudike-Uzomah has a tremendous motor and a nice ceiling as a speed-style rusher so while the value as a Day One pick isn't necessarily good, it could become that in retrospect. Here's McShay on the selection: 

Anudike-Uzomah is a speed rusher who can beat double-teams and pursues the QB with relentless effort. He tallied 19.5 sacks and 30.5 tackles for loss since becoming a starter with the Wildcats in 2021. The Chiefs were second in sacks last season with 55, but much of their production came either from the blitz or Chris Jones on the interior. Adding Anudike-Uzomah to an edge-rush group that already includes George Karlaftis and Charles Omenihu should create a little more balance.

As an aside, I bet the Chiefs take a look at their wide receiver board when they're on the clock, too. Tennessee's Jalin Hyatt could be a fun deep-threat addition to this offense.

Pro Football Focus: Myles Murphy (EDGE, Clemson)

First and foremost, it seems rather unlikely that Clemson EDGE prospect Myles Murphy is still on the board when the Chiefs pick at No. 31. That isn't stopping Pro Football Focus' Mike Renner from shipping him to Kansas City in his three-round mock, though. Murphy has all of the measurable qualities that Spagnuolo likes at the defensive end spot, and he also has a ceiling that makes him a more than worthy selection at this draft slot. Renner tips his cap to Murphy's run defense below, citing him as a compatible fit:

The Chiefs love strong defensive ends, and Murphy is right up there with anyone in the class in that regard. He was already a dominant run defender as a true freshman at Clemson but never quite developed a pass-rushing package.

CBS Sports: Keion White (EDGE, Georgia Tech)

Will Brinson's Mock Draft 2.0 for CBS Sports has another edge-rusher going to the Chiefs: Georgia Tech's Keion White. From a size and athleticism perspective, he's a good fit for what the Chiefs have done and will continue to do along the defensive line. Despite that, White is still rough around the edges and his age may not leave a ton of room for continued improvement. Pick No. 31 is far too rich in this writer's opinion, but Brinson believes otherwise:

The Chiefs remain ahead of the curve: with Patrick Mahomes locked in essentially forever, they've decided to just pepper defensive players in the draft. It's like the reverse rookie QB contract with an alien at quarterback. And it's obviously working quite well with a second Super Bowl win. They add more up front here.

The Draft Network: Dawand Jones (OT, Ohio State)

Ohio State offensive tackle Dawand Jones is a frequent guest on the Arrowhead Report Chiefs Mock Draft Roundup, and for good reason. The 6-foot-8, 375-pounder has tremendous length on the right side of the offensive line and moves better than someone his size should. He's far from a perfect prospect, but Jones would be a plug-and-play option on the right side of the line if Kansas City is seeking one. Damian Parson outlines the logic for the selection:  

Jawaan Taylor signed and is slated to take over the left tackle position. Andrew Wylie signed with the Washington Commanders, leaving the starting right tackle position up for grabs. Dawand Jones is a mountain of a man with unreal height, weight, arm length, and nimble feet. The rich get richer by adding Jones to protect Patrick Mahomes and bring even more power to their running attack. See you in the AFC Championship game again? More than likely.

The 33rd Team: Zay Flowers (WR, Boston College)

Mock 4.3 from The 33rd Team's Scouting Department sees a prospect who has very little chance of actually falling all the way to the end of the first round going to the Chiefs anyway. Boston College wideout Zay Flowers is one of the most dynamic weapons in all of this year's class, likely becoming a mid-first-round pick in late April or someone who would require a trade-up from the Chiefs for his services. Flowers's size is his only serious question mark at this point, and he'd give Patrick Mahomes a top-flight pass-catcher that could be worth the pick's weight in gold. Here is more analysis on the pick from The 33rd Team: 

The Kansas City Chiefs get more explosive with this pick. Zay Flowers may even wind up reminding some of Tyreek Hill with his flat-out speed. He does not have the size you are looking for, but he plays bigger when on the football field. Patrick Mahomes will really like this pick.