The 2023 NFL Draft is quickly approaching as teams prepare for Round 1 in less than 3 weeks. The Chiefs have the chance to add on to their dynasty and repeat as World champions which hasn’t happened in 20 seasons since the 2004 New England Patriots.
Chiefs GM Brett Veach has all the cards on the table for the Chiefs’ No. 31 pick, including a trade-up.
Here are three players the Chiefs should trade up for in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU:
The Chiefs could be swinging for the fences here. But if you’re going to gamble on a receiver that is the most pro-ready, you want to do it with a freak athlete like Quentin Johnston. A 6-foot-4 wideout, Johnston’s draft potential says he’s a Top 25 pick. Already a Top 30 visitor last week. The TCU receiver would fit in nicely after racking up 1,062 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns last year for the Horned Frogs. He has a ways to go when it comes to consistently catching the ball, but the upside is hard to ignore. The Chiefs should jump at the chance if he lasts longer on the board than expected. If he pans out, the big-play threat could take the Chiefs passing game to the next level and become the WR1 that Chiefs fans are looking for.
Attempting to cover Quentin Johnston doesn’t look very fun
— PFF College (@PFF_College) November 19, 2022
Broderick Jones, LT, Georgia
Georgia offensive tackle Broderick Jones could turn out to be the best at his position from this loaded class, though the hype around Northwestern’s Peter Skoronski or Ohio State’s Paris Johnson has overshadowed his draft stock. Jones could be a post-top-10 pick and presents another trade-up target for the Chiefs. He earned a 78.2 grade from PFF for his 2022 campaign, giving up 0 sacks and just 2 QB hits. Jones has been praised for his athleticism and footwork, which gives him coveted versatility on the offensive line. Even though Jawaan Taylor is signed and there is word on him becoming the next left tackle, Taylor played 97% of his snaps on the right, so that transition isn’t going to be easy. That’s why I believe a trade-up to address that area makes a ton of sense. Jones would be ready to step in right away as the starting left tackle (on a rookie deal) as he has the size and athleticism needed to compete in the NFL. The Chiefs have met with Jones formally at the scouting combine.
.@GeorgiaFootball #BroderickJones has technique to go with talent. Love O-Lineman who dip to get good pad level before they snap their hips to get movement. What a great looking prospect. #godawgs #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/evYSkh3GEq
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) March 7, 2023
Nolan Smith, Edge, Georgia:
Sticking with the Bulldogs theme, edge rusher Nolan Smith has the potential to be a game-changing defensive player in the NFL if he can be developed correctly to fit into an NFL defense similar to Micah Parsons with the Cowboys. Despite his size, he shined at stopping the run and rushing the passer during his time at Georgia. Smith racked up 114 tackles (21.0 for loss) and 11.5 sacks in 46 games played. He has sideline-to-sideline speed and an ability to shed blocks that should easily translate to the next level. Pairing Smith with starter George Karlaftis would create a nightmarish duo for opposing offenses to face. This would be a smart move by Brett Veach, especially since the Chiefs have met with him at the combine and Joe Cullen worked him out at his Pro Day.
Sometimes you just have to laugh at how silly #UGA EDGE Nolan Smith’s athleticism is. Bends with so much fluidity, elite first step quickness and closes pockets at an insane level.
Even though he missed games, his presence was always felt.
— Devin Jackson (@RealD_Jackson) March 29, 2023
Follow Chiefs Fan 4 Life on Twitter @ChiefsFan4Lyfe. Check out my articles, including why I think Justyn Ross will have a breakout season in 2023, how the Chiefs will have an underrated safety trio in 2023, and the 3 mid-round options with blue chip potential the Chiefs should consider in the 2023 NFL draft.
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