NFL mock draft 2023: Chiefs 7-round post-Combine projection replaces Brown, Clark

With Chad Henne gone, the Chiefs need a Patrick Mahomes backup to trust

After winning a Super Bowl and truly playing a pivotal role in getting there, Chad Henne decided to hang ’em up and call it a career. That leaves the backup quarterback spot open in Kansas City, so they at least bring in some competition with Aidan O’Connell. The Purdue product won’t wow anyone with his raw talent, but he’s an accurate, smart passer that could be a game-manager, which is all you want in a backup behind Mahomes.

Another replacement option, this time with the Chiefs filling in for Blake Bell

Travis Kelce and Noah Gray are back for Kansas City but veteran Blake Bell is a pending free agent and the Chiefs like to use a lot of multi-tight end sets and rotations. That’s why someone like Davis Allen could be a nice fit. While the Clemson product isn’t elite in any area, he’s solid virtually across the board. That feels like the perfect type of TE3 to slot in for Bell on a cheap rookie deal.

Puka Nacua could be a steal to bolster the Chiefs wide receiver room

Talk about potential value. Puka Nacua isn’t an elite physical specimen in terms of size or athleticism. But he’s a damn good wide receiver. With crisp route-running and quick feet, he’s always open. The big question is health but, as a seventh-round flier, he could be a sneaky addition to bring more depth to the pass-catching group.

Replenishing the O-line group is smart and Nick Saldiveri has upside

With Brown leaving, it’s likely that Andrew Wylie on the right side is replaced by Lucas Niang if healthy. That still leaves room for depth, though, and Nick Saldiveri is interesting in that regard. The ODU product is a good athlete with versatility positionally at the NFL level. I love adding him to this group, letting him get in an NFL program, and potentially developing into a nice overall piece.

Safety depth might be necessary to add and AJ Finley has intriguing tape

My belief is that the Chiefs are going to try their best to keep Juan Thornhill and keep the pairing with Justin Reid. Even still, they might need more depth and AJ Finley has some traits to like. He had 200+ tackles and eight interceptions at Ole Miss and is just a solid player who can wear many hats on the back end while also possibly being an asset on special teams too.

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