In the 2023 NFL Draft, Patrick Mahomes‘ team made seven selections, three of them being their own, one of which was a compensatory pick, and the remaining three were acquired through trades. In addition, the Chiefs expanded their roster by seven undrafted rookies.
Defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah, wideout Rashee Rice, and offensive tackle Wanya Morris were the first three players from the reigning Super Bowl champions, and the teams showed up to have a lot of confidence in them since they were picked earlier.
However, out of these three, Chiefs supporters are eager to see who will take home the honor of being the best rookie sleeper of the Kanas City Chiefs.
Who is regarded as the Chiefs’ rookie sleeper?
Let’s start by defining rookie sleepers. In reality, the phrase describes a player who was selected in a later round of the draft but is likely to prove himself better than anticipated.
BJ Thompson, a defensive end from Stephen F. Austin, was selected by Kansas City in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, 166th overall, and is considered to have the best potential of becoming the Chiefs’ best rookie sleeper.
The potential of Thompson to earn the title
Before moving on to Stephen F. Austin in 2020, the DE spent the first two seasons of his career at Baylor, additionally, in 52 career games with 34 starts in these two places, the rising star recorded 33.5 tackles-for-loss, 24.5 sacks, five forced fumbles, and five passes defended.
The 24-year-old, an athletic edge rusher with excellent speed, finished 2021 third on the team in tackles for loss (12.5), second on the team in sacks (9.5), and with 12 solo tackles and 26.0 total tackles.
Although Thomson won’t have much of the opportunity to seek play time in the NFL as a rookie, the defensive end is still very optimistic about his ability to help the team of the defending champion, even if that means participating in special teams.
“Special teams has always been a big part for me, especially coming from Baylor. We put a lot of emphasis on it. The other team they might decide to take that play off or whatnot but if you go all out on those plays then you have the chance to get the upper hand. I know coming to the NFL, playing special teams is a big part making a team or whatnot. So, I’m all in on special teams. I can play all four and hopefully that keeps me around for a while,” he said.
George Karlaftis, Charles Omenihu, and 2023 first-round pick Felix Anudike-Uzomah are among the defensive end players who will be in Thompson’s defensive end room. The DE may be used on the field during clear-cut passing situations if he can continue to demonstrate his athletic prowess as a pass-rusher, giving him a chance to establish himself as the best rookie sleeper of the defendant champions.
