The 2023 NFL Draft will be here before we know it, and as the rest of the league prepares to gather in Kansas City on April 27, the football-watching world is rife with mock drafts and projections as to how the first round will play out.
Here's a look at who some of the latest mock drafts from around the web have the Chiefs selecting with the No. 31 overall pick on April 27:
ESPN (March 7): Auburn EDGE Derick Hall
Senior Writer Todd McShay bolstered the Chiefs' defense in his latest mock, sending Auburn EDGE Derick Hall to Kansas City. Here's what McShay wrote about the pick:
"Hall had 16 sacks and 26 tackles for loss over the past two seasons, and he just posted a 10-foot-7 broad jump and ran the 40 in 4.55 seconds at 254 pounds at the combine. That's really good. He's sudden and takes off in a flash. Let's add him to the mix in K.C. opposite 2022 first-rounder George Karlaftis."
Pro Football Focus (March 8): Kansas State EDGE Felix Anudike-Uzomah
The folks at PFF sent K-State edge rusher (and Kansas City native) Felix Anudike-Uzomah to Kansas City with the No. 31 overall pick. Here's what PFF's Sam Monson had to say about the selection:
"Not only does he have good tape, good production, but the stuff he was saying at the podium [at the combine] demonstrates intelligence and a plan. He understands what he's doing — he has a game plan and approach to rushing the passer."
NFL.com (March 7): Auburn EDGE Derick Hall
NFL Media Draft Analyst Lance Zierlein went the same route as Todd McShay with his latest mock, sending Derick Hall to Kansas City. Here's what Zierlein wrote about the pick:
"In the wake of Frank Clark's release, Hall could become a coveted target here, allowing the Chiefs to pair the Auburn product with George Karlaftis as a young tandem able to crater the edges while Chris Jones wrecks shop inside."
The Athletic (March 7): Ohio State OT Dawand Jones
Staff Writer Dane Brugler has the Chiefs adding to their offensive line with his most recent mock draft in the form of Ohio State offensive tackle Dawand Jones. Here's more from Brugler:
"At 6-8 and 374 pounds with 36 3/8-inch arms, Jones (who is still only 21 years old) is a mammoth blocker and made tremendous strides over the last calendar year with his big-man balance."
Yahoo! Sports (March 8): Georgia CB Kelee Ringo
NFL Columnist Charles McDonald has the Chiefs adding to their secondary in his latest mock draft with the selection of Georgia cornerback Kelee Ringo. Here's more from McDonald:
"Kelee Ringo finds himself as the last pick in the first round this year, but it's hard to pass up his talent and production at a high-impact position at this point."
The 33rd Team (March 7): Ohio State WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba
The 33rd Team Scouting Department sent Ohio State wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba to the Chiefs in an effort to provide quarterback Patrick Mahomes with yet another weapon in the passing game. Here's what they had to say about the selection:
"The talented receiver posted 95 receptions, 1,606 yards, and nine touchdowns as a true sophomore while sharing the field with Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson. This could be a sneaky good pick and should work well with Patrick Mahomes."
Bleacher Report (March 7): Iowa State EDGE Will McDonald IV
Like several others in this roundup, the Bleacher Report Scouting Department has Kansas City bolstering its pass-rush with their latest mock. Here's a portion of their analysis, which identified Iowa State edge rusher Will McDonald IV as a potential fit for the Chiefs:
"Kansas City's No. 1 goal this offseason should be to get Chris Jones some pass rush help. While Iowa State's Will McDonald IV must add bulk to his 6'4", 239-pound frame and strength to become an every-down player, he specializes in getting after the quarterback…As the Chiefs continue to evolve, they must bring in the right talents at key spots to keep the machine going. McDonald is the perfect cog for the Kansas City defensive front to remain running smoothly."
