Way-too-early Chiefs 2023 NFL Draft preview

Isaiah Foskey. Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Way-too-early Kansas City Chiefs 2023 NFL Draft preview

By Clark Dalton | Last updated 1/12/23

The 2023 NFL Draft is April 27-29 in Kansas City. Here is the projected first-round order, per Tankathon. (Picks 1-18 are locked in.)

2022 record: 14-3 | Projected first-round pick: No. 31 | Team needs: CB, S, Defensive line

Snapshot: The Chiefs' offensive firepower, led by Patrick Mahomes, puts them in the Super Bowl mix. However, their passing defense may have kept them from winning another title or two. It faltered against Joe Burrow in the AFC title game last season and versus Tom Brady in Super Bowl LV. The unit failed to improve this season, ranking 19th in pass defense.

Potential first-round picks: Isaiah Foskey, DL, Notre Dame; Antonio Johnson, S, Texas A&M; Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois

The Chiefs need reinforcements for their D-line because Pro Bowler Chris Jones and former Pro Bowler Frank Clark will be free agents in 2024. Pending free agent Carlos Dunlap could be gone by next season.

Foskey could fit right in. He dominated during his final season at Notre Dame, recording 11 sacks in 12 games, tying for sixth in the country, and earning consensus All-American honors.

"Foskey uses his great initial burst to put offensive tackles on their heels," wrote ESPN's Todd McShay.

Here comes Isaiah Foskey!

He ties Justin Tuck's single-season sack record.

@nbc and @peacock pic.twitter.com/d4zjkMpyUc
— Notre Dame on NBC (@NDonNBC) November 19, 2022

Former first-team All-Pro safety Tyrann Mathieu left Kansas City after last season, and the Chiefs could use an upgrade at the position. Johnson, who stands 6-foot-3, is a producer. In 2022, he had three forced fumbles — tied for seventh in the country — and 71 tackles.

McShay touted his excellent vision, writing, "He has fast eyes that read receiver's routes."

In 2022, Witherspoon had 14 pass deflections in 12 games, tied for eighth in the country.

"Witherspoon was the best press-man cornerback in the country last season ... on 113 snaps in press coverage this fall, he allowed a grand total of one yard," wrote Pro Football Focus' Michael Renner.

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