On Day 2 of the draft, what are the best prospects for Chiefs positions?

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We’re in Day 2 of the 2023 NFL Draft in Kansas City!

On Thursday evening, 31 prospects were selected in round 1 – some exactly where they were expected, others in surprising places. As Super Bowl champions, the Kansas City Chiefs used the final first-round pick to select Kansas State defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah. Kansas City holds the 63rd and 95th picks in Friday’s second and third rounds.

According to John Dixon’s consensus top 100 ranking, the best players left are Penn State cornerback Joey Porter Jr., Alabama safety Brian Branch, Kentucky quarterback Will Levis and Notre Dame tight end Michael Mayer.

None of these prospects represent real needs in Kansas City. So let’s highlight the best prospects for the Chiefs’ positions Do need – and find the best solution for everyone.

wide receiver

45. Joshua Downs—North Carolina
48. Jalin Hyatt—Tennessee
59.Cedric Tillman—Tennessee
68.Tyler Scott—Cincinnati
69. Rashee Rice – SMU
71.Marvin Mims—Oklahoma
72. Jonathan Mingo — Ole Miss

Analysis: In the near term, the team’s wide receiver corps lacks someone capable of playing on the edge, winning through physical coverage, and consistently making hard catches across the middle and in traffic. Longer term, the Chiefs need a future deep threat to eventually replace Marquez Valdes-Scantling — but for now, it’s likely they’d prefer to replenish some of the attributes JuJu Smith-Schuster brought to the unit. That eliminates Downs, Hyatt, Scott and Mims.

Best fit: I think Tillman or Mingo could best complement Kadarius Toney and Skyy Moore – both have abilities in the slot. While these two prospects both have an impressive mix of height and athleticism, Mingo had superior athletic testing – and weighed seven pounds more than Tillman. Rice is also an impressive athlete but doesn’t have as much height. Due to his athleticism, Mingo would be the best fit.

Offensive tackle

50. Cody Mauch – State of North Dakota
58. Dawand Jones – Ohio State
63. Matthew Bergeron – Syracuse
80. Blake Freeland—BYU
91.Jaelyn Duncan—Maryland

Analysis: Now that the Chiefs missed the top tier of offensive tackles, it’s hard to imagine they would now pick a player capable of starting left tackles right away. That means we can pretty much keep Jawaan Taylor on the left for 2023. Kansas City needs a right tackle — or a left tackle the team can develop.

Best fit: Both Mauch and Freeland need improvement on pass blocking, which should exclude them from consideration here. Bergeron is a solid offensive player, but his powerful physique may not be what the Chiefs are looking for in a tackle. Jones has the length and frame that head coach Andy Reid typically appreciates – and he plays on the right flank. So Jones would be the ideal cast – but if he’s not available, Duncan’s mesmerizing footwork could be honed over time; he could become a quality starter.

Defensive tackle

62. Keeanu Benton—Wisconsin
73. Gervon Dexter—Florida
74. Siaki Ika—Baylor
79.Zacch Pickens—South Carolina

Analysis: In general, Kansas City can deploy bodies inside the defensive line — whether they’re mostly A-gap or B-gap players. But the starting lineup could use an upgrade in nose tackle alongside star defensive tackle Chris Jones.

Best fit: While all of these players can fill that role, Benton probably makes the most sense — though at 6ft 6 and 310 pounds, Dexter has tantalizing athleticism for his height. Although he hasn’t put everything together yet, Dexter does have the size that defense coordinator Steve Spagnuolo usually desires. Benton, too – although he may not have the same athletic ceiling as Dexter. Finally, Benton’s superior length makes it the best fit.

Skill position to observe prospects

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61. Iowa tight end Sam LaPorta
70. Tulane runs back to Tyjae Spears
75. Texas A&M running back Devon Achane
83rd South Dakota State tight end Tucker Kraft
89. Texas running back Roshon Johnson

Analysis: If the Chiefs don’t like how their board lines up for their emergency positions at 63 or 95, the Chiefs might consider taking the best player available — which could mean adding another offensive weapon.

Best fit: Kansas City could well consider a tight finish in hopes of improving the room’s second or third place finish in the short term. But they could also use a running back to help with the passing down. Tulsne’s Spears has impressive abilities as a receiver – and is also an effective blocker. Spears go best with Day 2’s skill position options.

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