The three breakouts.
The Chiefs will head into 2023 looking to repeat as World Champions. While the team develops as training camp is two weeks away, Journalists will identify potential breakout candidates they believe that can make an impact for the Chiefs. The player that is either or has been on the team that will do a load of work that most never get credit for. It’ll also show how well Chiefs GM Brett Veach prioritizes premium skill-position talent or in other words, recruiting.
With that in mind, here are three Chiefs breakout candidates to watch going into the 2023 season.
Jawaan Taylor, Right Tackle #74
Jawaan Taylor at right tackle will remind fans of Mitchell Schwartz. While his run-blocking abilities still need to be improved, the 25-year-old showcased outstanding pass-blocking skills last season for the Jaguars. He posted a stellar 5.2% pressure rate allowed and has major upside as a 6-foot-5 beast of a lineman. Expect Taylor to be a massive upgrade over Andrew Wylie who gave up the most sacks (9) by an offensive tackle in the league last season.
Jawaan Taylor vs Maxx Crosby Week 9
-22 pass blocking downs
-15 1v1 snaps + 7 with help (chip/TE alignment)
– Of the 15 solos Taylor won 12 allowing just two pressures
-Anchor & Recovery vs the power was nice to see pic.twitter.com/gGezx79ee2— Caleb James (@CJScoobs) March 14, 2023
Charles Omenihu, Defensive End #90
Charles Omenihu’s first full regular season with the San Francisco 49ers was a memorable one. The former Texas Longhorn finished with career highs in both sacks (4.5) and tackles (20), also tying his previous best with 16 QB hits. He only has 61 career games under his belt as well, meaning the Chiefs has likely yet to see the best that he has to offer. Omenihu is back in the Big 12 region (even though Texas is moving to the SEC in 2024) and will be replacing Carlos Dunlap. Expect to see him play more reps in the 3-tech next to Chris Jones on passing downs which could be beneficial for his sack total to rise.
Charles Omenihu gets home for a sack pic.twitter.com/p7QXoKLf6W
— CJ Vogel (@CJVogel_TFB) October 4, 2022
Trent McDuffie, Cornerback #22
A week 1 injury kept Trent McDuffie from solidifying his status as the NFL’s top rookie corner. The former Washington corner has played in 14 games including the postseason. Sutton totaled 45 tackles, 6 pass breakups, while also giving up only 10.1 yards per catch in pass coverage. That was tied the 16th-lowest among CBs that played in at least 400 defensive snaps. Another reason to believe in McDuffie is his ability to play fluidly in either man or zone coverage. Additionally, he displays the discipline, instincts and techniques vital for success in the Chiefs scheme.
.@trent_mcduffie was really enjoying the boos in Las Vegas 🤣 pic.twitter.com/sCBmMW3250
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) January 11, 2023
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