2022 FPC Chiefs Draft Prospect Watchlist: CFB Week 9

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Kansas City Chiefs fans have to be sitting pretty comfortably right now. With the team on the bye this week, they sit atop the AFC West at 5-2. The second half of the season will present some intriguing matchups. Though, the strength of some of the opponents appears to have dwindled greatly, compared to what most envisioned going into the year. With no Chiefs football this week, fans will be able to check out plenty of other action. This includes potential 2023 Kansas City draft prospects.

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. 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 9 of college football. Let’s kick it off.

OT Olumuyiwa Fashanu, Penn State

Opponent: Ohio State

Kickoff: Saturday, October 29 at Noon ET on FOX

The current starting left tackle for Penn State, Olumuyiwa Fashanu is a mountain of a man. There are many things that he offers that simply cannot be coached. In terms of the physical traits, Fashanu possesses the ample length needed to play offensive tackle at the NFL level. Moreover, the Nittany Lion is quite smooth and efficient with his footwork. He can handle both vertical and lateral pass sets. Because of the foot speed of Fashanu, he is able to quickly erase proper angles by opposing pass rushers. If he can clean up his hand technique and striking ability, then there is a chance that Fashanu rises up team’s draft boards.

WR Marvin Mims, Oklahoma

Opponent: Iowa State

Kickoff: Saturday, October 29 at Noon ET on FS1

So far, not many wide receiver prospects have turned heads during the college campaign. This has left the door open for some pass catchers to take advantage, outside of a couple of top guys. Marvin Mims has begun to answer, somewhat quietly. He is on pace to set new single-season career highs in catches and receiving yards at Oklahoma this season. When watching Mims, you can see how smart he is as a wide receiver. He knows how to find the soft spots in zones quickly and works back to his quarterback, if necessary. Mims wins quite often in contested catch situations or in traffic, despite his perceived smaller size. Finally, there are plenty of opportunities for explosive plays when he has the ball in his hands after the catch.

SAF Rashad Torrence II, Florida

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Opponent: Georgia

Kickoff: Saturday, October 29 at 3:30 p.m. ET on CBS

The Florida Gators have not had the best season defensively, to this point. Things will not get any easier on Saturday against the nation’s top-ranked Georgia Bulldogs. Yet, there is one player who continues to show flashes on the Gators defense. That would be Rashad Torrence II. We have not had any safeties yet on our FPC Chiefs draft prospect watchlists. However, there is a chance that Juan Thornhill does not return, as he is due for unrestricted free agency this upcoming offseason. What does Torrence II offer? Overall, his motor and versatility allow him to make plays in all areas of the field. You can see glimpses of his instincts, even though those can be honed in a bit more. If he can continue to grow, Torrence II can be a chess piece that offers improving ball skills.

RB Chase Brown, Illinois

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Opponent: Nebraska

Kickoff: Saturday, October 29 at 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC

2022 has been one of the best seasons of Illinois football in quite some time. Arguably the most fascinating player on the team, running back Chase Brown continues to excite. This is easily one of the most dynamic running back classes in a good while. For Brown, he makes defenders miss quite often. He simply has effortless cuts, and his slipperiness puts defenders in a blender. Brown does a good job of reading the field and putting his foot in the ground to get north on a dime. There are plenty of good running backs that offer potential in the 2023 class. For some that are sleeping, do not be surprised if Chase Brown is a consistently productive running back at the NFL level.

EDGE Byron Young, Tennessee

Opponent: Kentucky

Kickoff: Saturday, October 29 at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN

If you do not know the background story of Tennessee’s Byron Young, you will surely know about it come draft time. This player was a former assistant manager at a Dollar General before ultimately taking a JUCO tryout in 2019. Because of the COVID pandemic and cancellation of the season, Young did not play at all in 2020. Even with no games that season, his team still practiced, and his tape jumped out to many high-profile power five programs. This led to him receiving many offers. In the end, Young opted to go to Tennessee with the Volunteers.

A player who is still a work in progress, Young is best when he can showcase his athletic ability and flexibility. Just in this season alone, he has been able to catch opposing quarterbacks off guard in the pocket. Young offers tremendous closing burst and eats up ground with long, powerful strides. Adding more to his pass rush repertoire will increase his growing potential.

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.