The 2023 NFL Draft came and went, leaving the defending champion Kansas City Chiefs with 7 new draft selections in their possession.
The Chiefs would love for their new rookies to challenge for roster spots once training camps open up. Not only would it be for the young players’ benefit, but it could also light a fire under veterans whose spot may not be as secure as they think.
Here’s a look at three Chiefs veterans fighting for their jobs following the 2023 NFL Draft.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB:
A former first-round pick in 2020, Clyde Edwards-Helaire has failed to impress in each of his three NFL seasons. The 24-year-old was limited to 10 games in 2022 due to injury.
Isiah Pacheco then a rookie eventually took over as KC’s lead back. Edwards-Helaire ran for just 302 yards and three touchdowns while catching 17 passes for 151 yards.
Chiefs not expected to exercise fifth-year option on RB Clyde Edwards-Helairehttps://t.co/BLMbKYdV5u pic.twitter.com/x0nNxP6It1
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) May 2, 2023
The re-signing of pass-catching back Jerick McKinnon and the team not exercising his fifth year option spells more bad news for Edwards-Helaire in 2023. CEH also could now be on the hot seat after the Chiefs signed undrafted rookie RB Deneric Prince two weeks ago.
Derrick Nnadi, NT:
Derrick Nnadi has been with the Chiefs organization for the last five seasons. He currently sits as the team’s top nose tackle playing opposite 3-tech star interior Chris Jones, but that could all change soon.
The 11 total tackles he had in 2022 were down from the 21 he had in the previous season, so he’ll need to show that was a one-off situation.
— follow @dubs408 (@somedubvids) January 21, 2023
2023 sixth-round pick Keondre Coburn is now on the roster, which should light a fire under Nnadi. Coburn recorded 26 total tackles and an 3 sacks in 12 games with Texas last season, so he’s capable of challenging for playing time. Danny Shelton is also looking to finally get some playing time as well. Nnadi has his work cut out for him.
John Ross III, WR:
Wide receiver John Ross has had a rollercoaster of an NFL career. He’s already on his third team after joining the league in 2017 and has yet to record a touchdown since 2021 after missing 2022.
Update: the Chiefs are signing WR John Ross to a Reserve/Future deal, per source.
Fun fact: the Chiefs now have the 9th and 10th picks from the 2017 NFL Draft with their franchise. pic.twitter.com/3sN6n0EeeB
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) January 9, 2023
Considering the Chiefs are loaded at receiving options, this could be one of his last chances to make an NFL impression. The Chiefs did draft Rashee Rice in the second round of this year’s draft, so Ross’s spot could end up being his if the veteran fails to impress.
