The Lee’s Summit, MO native, Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, Anudike-Uzomah has showcased elite pass-rushing capabilities through this career at Kansas State.
After waiting for almost 3 hours, The Kansas City Chiefs used the final selection of the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft to keep one of their hometown stars in Kansas State EDGE rusher Felix Anudike-Uzomah. This pick was a no brainer because the EDGE role was a significant glaring need for Chiefs which was talked about in December. Keep in mind the Chiefs have not re-signed Frank Clark, Anudike-Uzomah is capable of transforming an NFL team’s pass defense given his non-stop motor and ability to get into the backfield making the Chiefs defensive line room led by Joe Cullen a logical landing spot for the 21-year old pass rusher. I believe that the hometown pass rusher is an instant upgrade from Frank Clark.
With the No. 31 overall pick in the 2023 @NFLDraft, the @Chiefs select Felix Anudike-Uzomah!@neweracap | #ChiefsKingdom
📺: 2023 #NFLDraft on NFLN/ESPN/ABC
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/D3EqkrKdIw pic.twitter.com/5SFQkIdV6T— NFL (@NFL) April 28, 2023
I also wrote 9 days ago about him being a potential steal if he was still available in the 2nd round but he was the safest pick at No. 31. Anudike-Uzomah showcased a bit of his potential as a freshman at Kansas State when he logged a sack in his only appearance. He then broke out in a major way as a sophomore, tallying 50 total tackles (11.0 for loss) to go along with 11.0 sacks and a whopping 6 forced fumbles (No. 1 in FBS). The Lee’s Summit High School alumnus earned first-team All-Big 12 honors for his performance and followed up with another great season in 2022. Anudike-Uzomah was named Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year as he racked up 46 total tackles (11.0 for loss), 8.5 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles across 14 games played.Anudike-Uzomah is far from a perfect prospect, though, as he doesn’t thrive nearly as much when asked to line up on the interior and lacks the physical strength to battle through double teams in rushing defense. Nevertheless, Joe Cullen will turn Anudike-Uzomah into a dynamic outside NFL edge rusher.
In honor of his visit today with the #Packers, here's some of my favorite Felix Anudike-Uzomah clips…
The guy is a problem. pic.twitter.com/CmyDAYCWk2
— Eli Berkovits (@BookOfEli_NFL) April 18, 2023
The Chiefs finished eighth in rushing yards allowed per game last season (107.7) and while they also finished second in sacks (55.0), most of the production came from blitzing packages. With Anudike-Uzomah, he now provides George Karlafits with a capable partner in the edge-rush group. What the Chiefs will love about Anudike-Uzomah is his Bend. According to his PFF Draft profile, Bend is one of the most coveted traits for an edge rusher for a reason. Being able to consistently get underneath offensive tackles the way Anudike-Uzomah can make life a lot easier. They also say that Anudike-Uzomah’s tape is why the Chiefs selected him at No. 31 because of his ability to be an every down rusher. He’s an edge rusher who can handle an every-down workload, should you want to give it to him.
Felix Anudike-Uzomah (@fanudike) uses the long arm to power his blocker back & get to the QB for the sack! #passrush #kstate #nfldraft pic.twitter.com/DJZIlWfOPn
— DLineVids (@dlinevids1) April 22, 2023
Final Thoughts:
The Chiefs have drafted not only a hometown hero in Anudike-Uzomah but their future starting 4-3 DE/Edge rusher who can win with with in a 1 gap, 4-3 defense who can play the 5, 7, or 9 technique positions to rush the C gap who will win with very good upfield burst, play speed, bend, use of hands attributing to his very good Pass rush ability and very good competitive toughness to play aggressive for all four quarters. I have a strong feeling that Anudike-Uzomah can become an All-rookie team EDGE rusher and even break the Chiefs rookie sack record set by Derrick Thomas. The Chiefs got a high motor player on the line with Chris Jones, George Karlaftis, Charles Omenihu and Mike Danna. Welcome home, Felix! It’s time to work.
Lee's Summit HS and K-State's own Felix Anudike-Uzomah is looking forward to the NFL Draft only 10 minutes away from home: #KStateFB
"I need to do the best I can, so I can be able to make a dream and make people in my city happy."
Video: @landonian87 pic.twitter.com/EE0psNpPEe
— Harold R. Kuntz (@HaroldRKuntz3) March 31, 2023
Follow Chiefs Fan 4 Life on Twitter @ChiefsFan4Lyfe. Check out my articles, including the December article where I mention Felix Anudike-Uzomah and Charles Omenihu, why I think Justyn Ross will have a breakout season in 2023 and how the Chiefs will have an underrated safety trio in 2023.
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