The Kansas City Chiefs have secured their first-round pick, Felix Anudike-Uzomah, by signing him to his rookie contract on May 19. Spotrac reports the deal is fully guaranteed for $11,817,817, with a signing bonus of $5,594,776 and the potential for a fifth-year option in 2027.
Fighting Through Adversity
He made an impression during his time at Kansas State. During those three years, he played 27 games, recorded 68 solo tackles, 29 assisted tackles, and 20.5 total sacks. To get to that point, he had to face times during his playing career when he was not the best. Throughout middle school and high school, there were concerns about his weight. Coaches could see his potential, but they were overly cautious.
Despite not initially having a scholarship offer from Kansas State, they eventually were able to offer one. The rest, they say, is history. At Kansas State, he showed he could add the weight needed and combine that with talent. It was enough to get the Chiefs to take note and see the talent he could offer to their defense.
Why the Chiefs Drafted Him
Some might argue there were better players still on the board to choose from. So why did the Chiefs take him? You notice a common theme when you listen to what they have said about Anudike-Uzomah. Moldability. The Chiefs see the talent and the production; however, they also see a player that is an unfinished product. A player the Chiefs can grow and develop into what they need for their defense.
A defense that has always needed improving these past few years.
If the Chiefs can take Anudike-Uzomah and make him into what they need, he has the potential to be one of the best defensive players in his rookie year and one of the best defensive players in the NFL.
The Future of the Defense?
After parting ways with Frank Clark, it is possible that Anudike-Uzomah will be the next best thing, if not the better option. It will not happen immediately, but over the next few seasons, everyone will know why the Chiefs selected him. Anudike-Uzomah has the ideal size and strength to contribute to the defense from the start; however, a lot of work will still need to be done to get him to the next level. It takes time, but the Chiefs believe that he is worth it. He can hone his strengths and discipline and improve his run defense.
Fans may always love Clark, but they will come to love Anudike-Uzomah just as much.
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