Kansas State EDGE Felix Anudike-Uzomah is one of the most exciting pass rushers in the 2023 NFL Draft. Anudike-Uzomah possesses an explosive first step that allows him to threaten the arc around opposing offensive tackles on a snap-by-snap basis. Anudike-Uzomah plays with excellent strength and lateral agility.
Anudike-Uzomah was extremely productive throughout the 2022 campaign. He recorded 8.5 sacks and 11.0 tackles for loss. Anudike-Uzomah was the focal point of a Wildcats defense that catapulted the program to a Big 12 championship.
Anudike-Uzomah’s pre-draft stock has been soaring. The Kansas City, Missouri native has difference-making traits as a pass rusher. We’ve identified four ideal fits for Felix Anudike-Uzomah.
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
The Chiefs recorded a second-ranked 55.0 sacks throughout the 2022 regular season, but the EDGE position is going through a bit of an offseason overhaul. Frank Clark was a cap casualty, and fellow veteran Carlos Dunlap isn’t expected to return via free agency either. The Chiefs are tasked with replacing 9.0 sacks and 77 pressures between Clark and Dunlap. That production must be accounted for.
General manager Brett Veach added Charles Omenihu via a two-year contract, but better depth is still required for the Super Bowl defending champions. George Karlaftis continues to acclimate to the professional level and should be afforded time. Anudike-Uzomah could be a realistic target with the 64th overall selection.
CHICAGO BEARS
The Bears were expected to draft Will Anderson Jr. or Jalen Carter with the No. 1 overall selection before they traded the pick to the Carolina Panthers. The Bears could still draft a pass rusher at ninth overall, but they’ve also been tied to offensive linemen like Peter Skoronski, Broderick Jones, and Paris Johnson Jr.
Bears general manager Ryan Poles must address his lackluster pass rush. The Bears recorded a league-low 20.0 sacks throughout 2022. More is required than signing free-agent defensive end DeMarcus Walker. The Bears possess two second-round selections as a result of their blockbuster deal with Carolina. Anudike-Uzomah would immediately contend for heavy snaps in Chicago.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
The Saints recorded an impressive 48.0 sacks in 2022, but a whopping 18.0 of those sacks have departed via unrestricted free agency this summer. The Saints waved goodbye to the likes of Kaden Elliss, David Onyemata, and Marcus Davenport, among others. General manager Mickey Loomis has essentially been tasked with revamping his entire defensive line.
The Saints don’t currently have appropriate running mates opposite Cameron Jordan. Payton Turner is still acclimating to the speed of the professional game. The Saints own the 30th and 41st overall selections, the latter of which isn’t too early to select Anudike-Uzomah.
LOS ANGELES RAMS
The Rams are the one-man Aaron Donald show. General manager Les Snead should diversify his pass-rushing unit. The Rams currently have the worst EDGE room in the league. Have you heard of Daniel Hardy, Michael Hoecht, Jonah Williams, or Keir Thomas? Last year’s two sack leaders were Bobby Wagner and Leonard Floyd, who were both cap casualties. Greg Gaines is another underrated departure.
The outlook is grim in the wake of Wagner’s and Floyd’s departure. Snead should prioritize an immediate defensive contributor with the 37th overall selection. Anudike-Uzomah would immediately claim a starting role on Los Angeles’ defensive line.
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