Felix Anudike-Uzomah Remains a Work in Progress at Chiefs Camp

Andy Reid's annual training camp with the Kansas City Chiefs is widely regarded as one of the most difficult ones in the entire NFL, and that's even considering veteran returners who have been through the process before. Rookies and newcomer vets alike often tip their respective caps to the franchise for putting together a full-force preparation for the season ahead, and those who are up to the challenge are frequently rewarded.

For first-round draft pick Felix Anudike-Uzomah, his trials span all the way back to rookie minicamp and organized team activities (OTAs). 

Coming out of Kansas State, Anudike-Uzomah injured his hand (a thumb ailment) near the end of the 2022-23 college football season. That, along with his inability to get physical reps during OTAs, didn't stop Kansas City from investing pick No. 31 overall on him. The 21-year-old is now back in the fold and has been a full participant during the club's training camp, but he spoke on Monday and admitted that not being completely involved earlier this offseason did have a negative impact on him.  

“It affected me quite a bit, not going to lie," Anudike-Uzomah said. "A lot of the rookies obviously had to learn technique-wise and go on the field full speed and stuff like that and I had to jump back because of my injury, but now I’m in here, now I’m in training camp, training camps a great time to be – time to get your footwork down, get everything down to be ready for the preseason.”

During his final season with the Wildcats, Anudike-Uzomah posted a 74.1 Pro Football Focus composite defensive grade with 46 tackles (11 for loss), 46 pressures and 8.5 sacks in 14 games played. The athletic defensive end was estimated as spending 72 snaps in the B-gap, 140 over the opposing offensive tackle and 450 outside of the tackle. This alignment versatility, as well as his profile as a bendy pass-rusher, intrigued the Chiefs enough to go after him. Anudike-Uzomah may also have the frame to pack on a few pounds and eventually fit runs with the proficiency that defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo seeks, which is another plus. 

Spagnuolo was asked about his rookie's progress on Monday, and he praised the newcomer for bouncing back from a relatively slow start to the offseason. 

“I think Felix is climbing, I really do," Spagnuolo said. "I mean look (at) it, we all know he didn’t get a lot of – you know didn’t do anything in the offseason here and that set him back. I thought he was a little rusty and struggled early. (Chiefs Defensive Line Coach) Joe (Cullen) and I both, as you watch one-on-ones you watch the team periods, he’s flashing now which is a good thing. There’s a lot of – there’s still a curve there right, the learning curve, I think he’s doing pretty good right now yeah."

When posed the question of whether his first offseason has been more of a physical or mental challenge, Anudike-Uzomah said it was a "bit of both." Citing technique changes from his time at Kansas State, shifting from a 3-4 scheme in college to a 4-3 in Kansas City and having to drop back for coverage reps during camp, the Kansas City native is taking things one day at a time. 

With players such as George Karlaftis, Charles Omenihu and Mike Danna also counted on to produce at the defensive end spot, the rookie should be allowed to ease himself in and gradually pick things up as he goes. Given that there's plenty more left to learn — and earn — for him both on and off the field, that's good news for everyone involved as camp continues and the preseason approaches.