Growth for KC Chiefs DE?

The 2023 NFL Draft was a historic moment for the Kansas City Chiefs, who were the reigning Super Bowl champions and hosted the draft. They even selected a local product with their first round pick and added to the Kansas City theme.

Felix Anudike-Uzomah was a raw prospect, but he brought a different skill set than other Chiefs running backs. His ability to win quickly was seen as something that would help bolster the team’s pass rush and complement the position group. Anudike-Uzomah’s rookie season was primarily considered a redshirt developmental year. Now that we’re five games into his sophomore campaign, we can look back at what he currently brings to Kansas City and the potential for growth that still exists.

Through five games, Anudike-Uzomah has played 78 defensive snaps broken down as 45 passing, 32 defensive and one coverage snap. In those 45 pass rushes, the second-year defensive back has recorded five pressures and turned one into a sack. He also recorded seven defensive saves, according to Next Generation Statistics. He ranks fifth on the team in pressures and 12th in defensive stops. While he ranks fifth in rushing yards, it doesn’t tell the whole story about his pass rush.

Anudike-Uzomah’s only sack came off a blown protection where he was unblocked. It’s still a good play for him to take advantage, take the sack and even force a fumble, but it’s a rare situation. Time to press is one way to measure how quickly a pass rusher affects the quarterback. Anudike-Uzomah has an average press time of 3.30 seconds, but when taking the unblocked, that average jumps to 3.70 seconds. It would be the second-longest on the team for defensive linemen; the only one with a longer average pressure time is Mike Pennel.

This is a concern for a player built to add quick pressures. The Chiefs have traditionally leaned toward running backs with power profiles to crush the pocket from the outside. This style can lead to a longer time for pressure rates. Anudike-Uzomah’s athleticism and ability to win at the rim made him an attractive candidate to complement George Karlaftis and Mike Danna. However, he has yet to bring it to Kansas City consistently. There are flashes of his ability to bend the rim. For example, he had a pressure against the Los Angeles Chargers where he won the arc and forced Justin Herbert to step up.

As a prospect, question marks surrounded Anudike-Uzomah’s ability to defend the run. This season, he has been solid as a run defender. His questionable playmaking strength still shows up at times, but he isn’t being pushed around like many worried. He is especially successful at the back of races. It can close the cut lane and prevent the runner from finding a hole if the front is obstructed. Another reason his run defense has been positive is his effort. There were never any questions about it, but to see him never give up on a play is excellent. There have been at least two plays this season where the action is behind Anudike-Uzomah, but he struggles to make the tackle.

Overall, Anudike-Uzomah still has a ways to go to live up to his first-round potential. He has improved as a run defender, using his natural athleticism and playing with an outstanding motor. One would like to see him grow as a pass rusher, though, especially with his technique and scheme. Right now, there are many attempts to outplay the athlete against the opposing team. That works in college, but everyone in the NFL is a great athlete, so unless you’re really at the top, technique and plan are critical.

Anudike-Uzomah may not be the player some have been hoping for so far, but there are positives to believe he will continue to grow and improve throughout the season.

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