2022 FPC Chiefs Draft Prospect Watchlist: CFB Week 1

Embed from Getty Images
After many months of offseason headlines and hype, football fans can finally rejoice. We have been busy covering the Kansas City Chiefs, looking into the 53-man roster, new additions and more. We will still have to wait another weekend to see the Chiefs take the field. Nonetheless, it is never too early to think about possible draft prospects for next spring. With some positions being lighter on long-term contracts and potential needs, Kansas City will have eyes on certain spots.

We had college football kickoff last weekend with a lighter slate. But this weekend, the chaos fully begins with Week 1 of the college football schedule. Each weekend, we will be listing some prospects to keep in mind as possible fits for the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2023 NFL Draft. Be on the lookout for different prospect names every week. To start, we will list five players for Chiefs fans to monitor in Week 1 of college football. Let’s kick it off.

OT Carter Warren, Pitt

Opponent: West Virginia

Kickoff: Thursday, September 1 at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN

Carter Warren aligns as the starting left tackle for the Pitt Panthers offense. Overall, he is a fairly balanced blocker up front. Warren displays stiff, strong hands at the point of attack. He also seems to maintain adequate balance with his feet. Against West Virginia, he will be tested with pass rushers of all shapes and sizes.

The Chiefs long-term future at offensive tackle is up in the air. Warren is a possible prospect in 2023 for Kansas City, as a result. Orlando Brown Jr. turned down a long-term deal this offseason. Will he be with the Chiefs beyond 2022? Plus, Andrew Wylie is a good player, but could be replaced by a greater draft prospect.

WR Cedric Tillman, Tennessee

Embed from Getty Images

Opponent: Ball State

Kickoff: Thursday, September 1 at 7 p.m. ET on SEC Network

Cedric Tillman enters the 2022 season as the starting Z-receiver for the Tennessee Volunteers. He was highly productive last season, registering 64 receptions, 1,081 receiving yards,12 receiving touchdowns and 16.89 yards per reception. Tillman brings a great mix of size and vertical pass catching ability. Elsewhere, Tillman moves smoothly and dominates in contested catch situations.

As far as a wide receiver need goes, the Chiefs will not fully know where they sit until the end of the season. Kansas City will still keep an eye out for wide receivers, nevertheless. You hope that guys like JuJu Smith-Schuster and Mecole Hardman re-sign after 2022, if they perform well. However, the Chiefs may have a prime opportunity to add a rookie wide receiver for 2023.

WR Cornelius Johnson, Michigan

Opponent: Colorado State

Kickoff: Saturday, September 3 at Noon ET on ABC

Cornelius Johnson is set to be the starting X-receiver in the Michigan offense. Overall, the Wolverines are likely going to play two different quarterbacks for a good portion of the season. How will that affect Johnson and the passing offense? If he can break out and impose his size and strength, Johnson could fly up 2023 NFL Draft boards.

He is not a one for one comparison. Though, he plays wide receiver like a basketball player who boxes out smaller opponents, similar to Drake London. London was of course a first round pick of the Atlanta Falcons this past April. Finally, Johnson’s mix of length and cuts with tempo help him establish early leverage and separation.

DT Gervon Dexter, Florida

Embed from Getty Images

Opponent: Utah

Kickoff: Saturday, September 3 at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN

When looking at all of the positions on the Chiefs depth chart, defensive tackle continues to face the most questions each season. In terms of depth and trustworthy names, Kansas City is filling the spot with mostly average players or with players who lack versatility. Chris Jones can provide consistent production against both the run and the pass. However, Kansas City has no one else who you can rely on to do the same.

One name that I am already intrigued by among the 2023 defensive tackle class is Florida’s Gervon Dexter. For a man with his mass, Dexter moves with exceptional athleticism and burst. Florida also uses multiple fronts with their defensive front seven. Because of that, Dexter has the opportunity to play from different spots on the defensive line. His blend of first step quickness and power is challenging to counteract. His matchup against Utah will be a tremendous test to open the season.

EDGE Defender BJ Ojulari, LSU

Opponent: Florida State

Kickoff: Sunday, September 4 at 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC

The brother of New York Giants pass rusher Azeez Ojulari, BJ is a bit slender for a pass rusher. However, he could be a dynamic addition to Kansas City’s 4-3 defense as a designated pass rusher or defensive end. Ojulari is not quite a finished product, as things currently stand. He simply goes 100 miles per hour and appears to be more comfortable rushing the passer.

Mainly, Ojulari has a plethora of pass rush moves with which to work with. He is known for having crisp and clean footwork to help offset opposing offensive linemen. Furthermore, the LSU Tiger displayed an ability to swim around blockers, as well as being able to dip and bend the corner. The Chiefs should never be worried about wanting to add too many pass rushers. While still raw, Ojulari is adequate in that area.

Be on the lookout for more FPC Chiefs draft prospect watchlist articles each and every week. For more great sports and NFL content, stay tuned to Full Press Coverage.

– Braden Holecek is the Kansas City Chiefs managing editor for Full Press Coverage. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @ebearcat9//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js Follow @FPC_Chiefs//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js and Facebook.