Chiefs draft grades for every pick in the 2023 NFL Draft: Rashee Rice splits opinions

Chiefs draft grades: Virginia Tech S Chamarri Conner

Round 4, Pick 119

The Chiefs traded up to grab Chamarri Conner, a defensive back out of Virginia Tech in the fourth round. It’s the trade up that raises the most questions since Kansas City looks pretty well-stocked at safety, though Conner also has experience as a cornerback.

In terms of value, the pick was in the right spot though so maybe the Chiefs just liked what they saw out of a really productive college player.

In his fifth and final season with the Hokies, Conner had 67 tackles, two tackles for loss and two pass defenses. Across his career he had 47 starts, 314 tackles, 21 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, four interceptions, 19 pass defenses and four forced fumbles.

Grade: B

Chiefs draft grades: Stephen F. Austin OLB BJ Thompson

Round 5, Pick 166

BJ Thompson was one of 10 FCS players drafted in 2023 in a pick that truly reflects the position the Chiefs are in coming off their Super Bowl victory. Edge rusher isn’t a huge need for KC but you can’t have too many and Thompson, an athletic specimen, was available to gamble on.

Thompson had six tackles for loss in his first two seasons of college ball at Baylor. He ended up transferring to Stephen F. Austin where he became a star at the FCS level with 33.5 tackles for loss and 24.5 sacks in 31 starts.

Grade: A