Which teams do the Chiefs have the best fit for on Day 2 of the draft?

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We are here on Day 2 of the 2023 NFL Draft in Kansas City!

As of Thursday night, 31 prospects were selected in Round 1 — some where expected, others in surprising places. As Super Bowl champions, the Kansas City Chiefs used the last pick of the first round to select Kansas State quarterback Felix Anudika-Uzomah. Kansas City owns the 63rd and 95th picks in Friday’s second and third rounds.

According to John Dixon’s consensus top 100 rankings, the top players still available are Penn State quarterback Joey Porter Jr., Alabama quarterback Brian Branch, Kentucky quarterback Will Lewis and Notre Dame quarterback Michael Myers.

Neither prospect represents a real need in Kansas City. Therefore, let’s highlight the best prospects in the positions of bosses to do needs – and determine the best fit for each.

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 short term, the team’s wide receiver corps lacks someone who can play on the perimeter, win in physical coverage and consistently make tough catches over the middle and in traffic. Long term, the Chiefs need a deep threat to eventually replace Marquez Valdez-Scantling, but right now they’d likely prefer to add some of the attributes JuJu Smith-Schuster brought to the unit. This eliminates Downs, Hyatt, Scott and Mims.

Best suited to: I believe Tillman or Mingo would best complement Kadarius Toney and Skyy Moore, who both have ability in the slot. While these two prospects have an impressive mix of size and athleticism, Mingo had excellent athletic tests — and he weighed seven pounds more than Tillman. Reese is also an impressive athlete, but doesn’t have as much size. Mingo would be the best fit because of his athleticism.

Offensive combat

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

Analysis: Now that the Chiefs have let go of the top-tier offensive tackle, it’s hard to imagine them drafting a player who could start right away at left tackle. That means we can pretty much lock up Jawan Taylor at left tackle for 2023. Kansas City needs a right tackle — or the team can draft a left tackle.

Best suited to: Mauch and Freeland both need to improve in pass blocking, so they shouldn’t be considered here. Bergeron is a solid offensive player, but his strong frame may not be what the Chiefs are looking for at tackle. Jones has the length and frame that head coach Andy Reid usually values and plays right side. So then Jones would be a perfect fit — but if he isn’t available, Duncan’s intriguing footwork could be perfected over time; he could become a quality starter.

Defense game

62. Kean Benton – Wisconsin
73. Jervon Dexter – Florida
74. Siaki Ika – Baylor
79. Zach Pickens – South Carolina

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

Best suited: While all of these players can fill the role, Benton is perhaps the most important — even though Dexter is 6-foot-6 and 310 pounds, he has an enticing athleticism to his size. As long as he doesn’t put it all together, Dexter does has the kind of size defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo usually covets. So does Benton — though he may not have the same athletic ceiling as Dexter. The end, Benton’s superior length makes him the best fit.

Skill Position Prospects to Watch

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61. Iowa quarterback Sam LaPorta
70. Tulane linebacker Taia Spears
75. Texas A&M linebacker Devon Eins
83. South Dakota State linebacker Tucker Kraft
89. Texas linebacker Roshon Johnson

Analysis: If the Chiefs don’t like how their board fits their needs at either 63 or 95, the Chiefs could look to select the best player available, which could mean adding another offensive weapon.

Best suited to: Kansas City could certainly look to upgrade the space in the second or third in the short term. But they could also use a linebacker who can help overcome drops. Tulsne’s Spears has impressive playmaking skills as a receiver and is also an effective blocker. Spears would be the best fit among the Day 2 skill position options.

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