2022 FPC Chiefs Draft Prospect Watchlist: CFB Week 2

Embed from Getty Images
The whirlwind of the fall and football season is about to enter supersonic speed. Many hours will be filled with football on the television screen. Some weeks, you have games to enjoy from Thursday all the way to Monday. Late in the college football season, there will even be some occasional Tuesday and Wednesday games as well. The Kansas City Chiefs will officially take the field for their first regular season game of 2022 this Sunday. In the meantime, 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.

This Saturday features many exciting matchups for Week 2 of the college football season. 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 each and every week. Here are five players for Chiefs fans to monitor in Week 2 of college football. Let’s kick it off.

RB Deuce Vaughn, Kansas State

Opponent: Missouri

Kickoff: Saturday, September 10 at Noon ET on ESPN2

While likely not a true carbon copy, it is hard not to think of another former Kansas State running back in Darren Sproles when watching Deuce Vaughn. Deuce is only listed at 5’6” and 176 pounds. But, Vaughn is constantly able to create explosive runs and big gains. It is still a player who is currently an unfinished product. Questions about his vision and durability are items that will follow him all the way to the NFL level. Nonetheless, Vaughn can possibly provide a necessary jolt for some teams in high pressure situations as a depth option.

The Kansas City Chiefs enter the 2022 season with a deep running back room. However, Jerick McKinnon and Ronald Jones are not long-term staples. There is a lot of buzz surrounding rookie Isiah Pacheco. Certainly, he can be a dependable running back. We know most teams, including Kansas City, rarely use a true bell cow running back anymore, though. If Clyde Edwards-Helaire cannot take another step in 2022, the Chiefs could look to add another option at running back that offers speed and explosiveness.

DE Andre Carter II, Army

Embed from Getty Images

Opponent: UTSA

Kickoff: Saturday, September 10 at Noon ET on CBS Sports Network

Obviously, this is a unique NFL Draft prospect. Taking a chance on a player who has commitments within the military is always a strange hurdle. Even still, Andre Carter II already has the attention of NFL evaluators. Some analysts have already pegged him as a top 50 draft selection. On the other hand, Carter II is seen as an early option on day three of the draft. One thing is for sure, the Army defender knows how to get to the quarterback.

Carter II will always have the attention of NFL teams, due to his size alone. At 6’7” and 260 pounds, he is built like a prototypical defensive end. In his career so far, Carter II has accumulated 18.5 tackles for loss and 15.5 sacks in 22 games. That includes 17 tackles for loss and 14.5 sacks last season. With his length, plethora of pass rush moves and power at the point of attack, Carter II could become a tantalizing player that teams cannot help but bet on his tools. Kansas City must not hesitate to add to their pass rush. In the end, Carter II would be a fascinating addition.

WR Xavier Hutchinson, Iowa State

Opponent: Iowa

Kickoff: Saturday, September 10 at 4 p.m. ET on Big Ten Network

Xavier Hutchinson is a wide receiver that has caught my eye over the last couple of years. In his first two seasons at Iowa State before 2022, he registered 147 receptions for 1,758 receiving yards and nine receiving touchdowns. While last week’s game was against a lower-level opponent, Hutchinson having three receiving touchdowns in one game is nothing to sneeze at.

That makes this week’s matchup incredibly exciting. Hutchinson will go up against a continuously stingy Iowa secondary that rarely gives up a lot of points. Overall, this wide receiver can surprise defenders with his savviness as a route runner. The patience that he uses to get in and out of breaks leads to opponents having to make split-second decisions, once the ball is thrown. Do not discredit Hutchinson’s size, either. He can provide strength at the catch point and is improving when forced to come through in traffic.

DE Colby Wooden, Auburn

Opponent: San Jose State

Kickoff: Saturday, September 10 at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPNU

Colby Wooden is built like a monster. Yet, his movement skills are incredibly smooth and fluid. With that slipperiness, he simply bounces off of blocks and slices through tight areas. Wooden will be able to overwhelm opposing offensive linemen with his length. Mainly, that reach forces blockers to make urgent choices. One wrong step or miss placed punch, and Wooden will take advantage of their failure to win leverage one-on-one.

Auburn has a couple of experienced defenders upfront, including Wooden. With a premiere 2022 campaign, the Tiger could begin to rise up draft boards. There are still areas for improvement. Namely, his timing and ability to read what the offense is doing are current weaknesses. Wooden is someone who is worth betting on, due to his intriguing blend of size and quickness alone.

DT Siaki Ika, Baylor

Embed from Getty Images

Opponent: BYU

Kickoff: Saturday, September 10 at 10:15 p.m. ET on ESPN

After beginning his college career at LSU, Siaki Ika transferred to Baylor. You want a nose tackle who can push the pocket as a blitzer in an aggressive defense? Ika is for you. Once again, this is another defender who moves well for his size. Ika has a dense and wide frame. As a result, opposing interior offensive linemen have a challenging time getting their hands into his chest. It is also difficult for blockers to keep balance and a surge while hoping to remain lower than Ika’s center of gravity.

Outside of Chris Jones, the Chiefs could use more depth at the defensive tackle position. Kansas City signed a veteran name in Danny Shelton for part of this offseason. Possibly, Ika could fill a similar role, with his mix of mass and first step quickness. Finally, the Chiefs should not stall in adding more size and versatility to the defensive tackle room.

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.