As the calendar flips to August, the Kansas City Chiefs are continuing their training camp process while also gearing up for both the 2023 NFL preseason and regular season. Striking a balance on the roster construction front is also a major task on general manager Brett Veach's list, as is assessing the development of the franchise's rookie class.
Seven newly drafted players are in the fold for Kansas City this year, with one being selected in each of the event's respective rounds. Local prospect and talented defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah headlines the group, but there are also some newcomers that have been managing to fly under the radar. Sixth-round pick Keondre Coburn, who hasn't been talked about a ton since the draft, is starting to generate a bit of buzz.
In a recent article on Bleacher Report outlining expectations for three Chiefs rookies (Anudike-Uzomah and Rashee Rice were the first two) this season, Jake Rill referred to Coburn as a "rookie sleeper." Citing his extensive college experience and the opportunities awaiting him for the rest of camp and the preseason, Rill writes that the Texas product's role could expand over time. Here's the full writeup:
If you're looking for a rookie sleeper in Kansas City, look no further than Keondre Coburn, the former Texas defensive tackle who was drafted in the sixth round earlier this year. He may not have been taken until the 194th pick, but he has a good bit of potential.
The Chiefs needed to bolster their DT depth behind Chris Jones, and the addition of Coburn did that. He played 52 games over five seasons with the Longhorns, so he also brings a lot of high-level college experience into the pros.
Coburn isn't likely to earn a Week 1 starting role with Kansas City. But he should go out and prove that he's worthy of keeping on the 53-man roster, especially because he plays a position of need for the team.
With a strong showing in training camp and the preseason, Coburn should end up as one of the Chiefs' primary backup DTs heading into the regular season. And as he gains experience from there, he may even get more and more playing time.
Rill mentioned Coburn's 52 games at Texas, and that's a very sound point. In those outings, the 336-pound interior defensive lineman amassed 95 combined tackles, 15 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks. His run defense, though, was what stood out. Coburn's ability to anchor down in the middle of a defensive front allowed his surrounding teammates to attack and thrive, and that stout play is something the Chiefs lacked last year when veteran Derrick Nnadi struggled. Nnadi is back for another year with the team but if he doesn't improve, it could be the rookie that starts eating into his snaps on defense.
While Coburn's profile projects him as more of a supporting piece and an early-down player at his peak, there's still value in that. Every team needs at least one hard-nosed run defender at the nose tackle spot, which is what Nnadi was earlier in his career. Tershawn Wharton, who is currently still rehabbing from a torn ACL and may not be available to begin the season, is a pass-rush specialist. All of that, combined with the departure of Khalen Saunders, leaves a roster spot — and potentially even a role — wide open for Coburn to take and run with. If Rill's inkling is any indication, the 23-year-old won't be a sleeper for much longer.
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