2022 FPC Chiefs Draft Prospect Watchlist: CFB Week 3

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It has already been a great start to the 2022 season for the Kansas City Chiefs. A win over the Los Angeles Chargers in the home opener has them sitting alone atop the AFC West at 2-0. Meanwhile, they will have a little bit of extended time off before two straight road games.

In the college football world, the first two weeks have definitely not disappointed. Powerhouses are feeling the effects of agonizing defeats. On the other hand, other college programs are beginning to build some buzz, especially some teams that are achieving success for the first time in a while.

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 more exciting matchups for Week 3 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 3 of college football. Let’s kick it off.

DL Zacch Pickens, South Carolina

Opponent: Georgia

Kickoff: Saturday, September 17 at Noon ET on ESPN

Zacch Pickens will have a difficult matchup against the defending champion Georgia Bulldogs on Saturday. There is plenty of appeal to see how he does against a stout offensive line. Mainly, Pickens can win upfront with length and short area burst. As a defensive tackle, his ability to shoot gaps and get upfield with urgency will help his case as the season progresses. Pickens also offers scheme versatility and has thrived in a multiple front defense.

On the defensive line, the Chiefs could get interested in someone like Pickens, thanks to his mix of mass and closing speed. Kansas City may also look to add a defensive tackle who adds increased physicality in next year’s draft. Pickens could help his case in the draft process by improving that item further. As a result, a major opportunity awaits against Georgia.

OT Anton Harrison, Oklahoma

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Opponent: Nebraska

Kickoff: Saturday, September 17 at Noon ET on FOX

Anton Harrison aligns as the starting left tackle for the Sooners offense. At Oklahoma, Harrison is able to stand out as a massive blocker that works within a high-paced offense. Sound like any of the Chiefs current offensive tackles? Orlando Brown Jr., also an Oklahoma product, is in a similar mold while with the Chiefs. It took time for him to get more comfortable in the Kansas City offense. But now, Brown Jr. has been able to counteract pass rushers by taking better angles at the top of the arc. Harrison could be a possible replacement if Brown Jr. does not re-sign. Kansas City could also put him at right tackle, if need be. His nimble footwork and speed within his pass sets are something to monitor for Harrison.

RB Zach Evans, Ole Miss

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Opponent: Georgia Tech

Kickoff: Saturday, September 17 at 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC

Zach Evans averaged a gaudy seven yards per carry last year at TCU, leading the team in rushing yards. Afterwards, he decided to transfer into the SEC and join the Ole Miss offense for 2022 under Lane Kiffin. Evans appears to be a perfect fit in an offense that utilizes inside and outside zone. The Chiefs could be a possible fit, as a result. Kansas City may not have Jerick McKinnon or Ronald Jones for the long-term. Because of this, someone like Evans makes a lot of sense. He executes with splendid vision and speed. The ability to pull off long runs and outrace opponents are there. Finally, Evans does well to press hard at the hole, while maintaining excellent leverage and pad level.

OT Jaelyn Duncan, Maryland

Opponent: SMU

Kickoff: Saturday, September 17 at 7:30 p.m. ET on FS1

Jaelyn Duncan is surrounded by a set of wide-ranging opinions. Some people believe he could be the best overall offensive tackle in the 2023 NFL Draft. Others have yet to place him as anything better than a second-round pick. In particular, Duncan has the massive frame and arm length that NFL teams covet. The Maryland blocker exudes adequate movement skills. In turn, he seems trustworthy in both vertical pass sets and in mirroring the opponent one-on-one. Can he maintain the leverage necessary to take on speedy edge rushers? That is a question that will continue to surround Duncan throughout the rest of the season.

DE KJ Henry, Clemson

Opponent: Louisiana Tech

Kickoff: Saturday, September 17 at 8 p.m. ET on ACC Network

KJ Henry is a perfect fit for a 4-3 defense. In Kansas City, the Chiefs could use someone like Henry as a designated pass rusher, at least early on. He does indeed showcase the heavy hands at the point of attack that Steve Spagnuolo loves. Elsewhere, the Chiefs could benefit with his motor and tenacity. That goes for both pass defense and run defense. Specifically as a pass rusher, Henry does something that not a lot of college pass rushers can do. That is to reduce rush angles by collapsing the pocket at a wide angle. This is certainly a player who could see his stock continue to rise throughout the college football season.

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.