2023 NFL Draft Profile: EDGE Felix Anudike-Uzomah -

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Felix Anudike-Uzomah spent three seasons at Kansas State with the Wildcats. Overall, the Kansas City, Missouri native appeared in 31 games during those three seasons. He would go on to tally 100 tackles, 26.5 tackles for loss, 20.5 sacks and eight forced fumbles. Anudike-Uzomah finished as a two-time first-team All-Big 12 selection in 2021 and 2022. To boot, he earned both first-team All-American honors and Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2022.

NAME

Felix Anudike-Uzomah

POSITION

EDGE Defender

HEIGHT

6’3”

WEIGHT

255 pounds

SCHOOL

Kansas State

Top Strengths

Power At The Point Of Attack

From the start to finish of games, you can visually see Felix Anudike-Uzomah wear down opponents physically. With his explosive first-step quickness, he can get deep into an offensive lineman’s pocket before they are ready. Anudike-Uzomah is also a tenacious, relentless player that can rely on a nonstop motor. So when he opts to exude his massive power at the point of attack, displacing opponents can often result instantly. Anudike-Uzomah can win many reps by getting his strength and body weight on top of opposing blockers. What makes him so dangerous is, the Kansas State product can keep his balance and collapse the pocket.

Pass Rush Repertoire

Felix Anudike-Uzomah presents a vast pass rush repertoire. Simply put, there are many tools inside of this player’s toolbox. Anudike-Uzomah is crisp with his pass rush hand counter moves. That is monumental for him as a pass rusher, when you add in his aforementioned power. He offers a two-hand swipe move, a long-arm move and a jab move at the point of attack. Furthermore, Anudike-Uzomah will overwhelm opponents with his explosiveness when utilizing a bull rush. Do not sleep on this player’s ability to bend the corner and turn the arc around the edge.

Length

Felix Anudike-Uzomah is blessed with adequate arm length (33 1/2″) to live on the outside edge. More importantly, he understands how to use that to his advantage. He does so in a variety of ways. Anudike-Uzomah will look to counteract double teams by condensing his frame, while still getting his arms extended wide, at the same time. He is also sufficient when it comes to overpowering opponents by getting his arms extended on top of blockers’ frames. As a result, Anudike-Uzomah can win leverage battles early.

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Areas Of Improvement

Finishing Against The Run

There are moments where Felix Anudike-Uzomah has no problem winning at the line of scrimmage as a run defender. In fact, he can surprise opponents with his ability to set a firm, hard edge. There are inconsistencies from Anudike-Uzomah when he does win reps upfront, though. He can get caught running too far laterally or too far upfield. Anudike-Uzomah just does not have the reactive quickness to adjust seamlessly on the fly. Finishing at the ball carrier more often will be crucial for him at the NFL level.

Versatility

From time to time, Felix Anudike-Uzomah would reduce down inside. He aligned from multiple spots on the Kansas State defensive line. Yet, he appears to be most comfortable as a base defensive end. That includes him aligning on the outside shoulder of the opposing offensive tackle. Elsewhere, Anudike-Uzomah has been more productive as a pass rusher. He may not have to be used as a designated pass rusher only right away. However, Anudike-Uzomah will have to polish his technique as a run defender.

Read And React Ability

You have to love the explosiveness that Felix Anudike-Uzomah displays. However, reading and reacting to play direction can be a bit murky. He can sometimes be in the right spot. Though, reacting quickly and finishing on opportunities are hit or miss. Anudike-Uzomah will often be caught battling his man, while failing to recognize where the ball is heading. If he can adjust in space earlier, more consistency will grow for the Kansas State product moving forward.

Ideal Role

You are strictly drafting Felix Anudike-Uzomah to play base defensive end. Overall, he is able to fire off the ball out of either a two-point stance or a three-point stance. Anudike-Uzomah profiles best as a defensive end that fits into a base 4-3 scheme. If he were to go into a base 3-4 scheme, he may not be able to operate from proper angles, based on his flexibility and explosiveness.

Potential Fits

Let’s try to find three teams that make sense as potential fits for Felix Anudike-Uzomah. First and foremost, the Chicago Bears may be looking at him. His success and production as a pass rusher is something that Chicago desperately needs on the defensive front.

Meanwhile, the Kansas City Chiefs could look to bring the KC native home. His explosiveness and physicality fit a Steve Spagnuolo-type of EDGE defender to a tee. Finally, the New Orleans Saints could be looking at Anudike-Uzomah after they lost many defensive linemen to free agency.

Be on the lookout for more FPC 2023 NFL Draft prospect profiles in the coming days. 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.