The Kansas City Chiefs got defensive on the final day of the 2023 NFL Draft — using all four of their picks on the defensive side of the ball. But the most intriguing selection might be defensive tackle Keondre Coburn.
The Chiefs picked the Texas Longhorns standout in the sixth round (194th overall) on Saturday as the draft wrapped up from Union Station. The team had a need at defensive tackle, and the 6-foot-2, 332-pound Coburn could provide much-needed depth inside. Coburn said while he’s most comfortable playing nose tackle, he could move around if needed.
“I think at nose I might be a little better because in my vision I started like that when I got to college and I played in multiple defenses since I’ve been in college,” Coburn said. “So I think I can really help a team right now at nose, and if they need to move me, I’m going to go out there and play just like I’m playing nose.”
Coburn started all four years at Texas and was a second-team All-Big 12 selection as a senior. Coburn had 22 tackles and 2.5 sacks in his final season. While massive, Coburn impressed the Chiefs with his athleticism and they expect Coburn to contribute.
“He’s a big dude up front, strong, powerful, explosive,” said Chiefs southwest regional scout Jason Lamb. “And the thing about him, though, for being as big as he is, he can move. He’ll go out there and chase the quarterback. He can run around and make the quarterback scramble outside the pocket. So yeah, he’s going to bring a big presence up front and a lot of explosiveness and power.”
With the Chiefs fresh off winning the Super Bowl for the second time in four years, Coburn said he was extremely thankful to be part of a winning organization.
“Just to be part of this franchise is amazing,” Coburn said. “For me to be a Chief, it’s a blessing because literally they just won a Super Bowl, and all I want to do is help the team win any type of way that I can. So me coming to a winning team, I can just add my juice to them and hopefully they can keep winning. I’m excited.”
The Chiefs selected Virginia Tech defensive back Chamarri Conner in the fourth round then selected Stephen F. Austin edge rusher B.J. Thompson in the fifth. The Chiefs closed out their draft by selecting Ball State cornerback Nic Jones in the seventh round.
Of the Chiefs’ seven total picks, five were used on defense, including first-round pick pass rusher Felix Anudike-Uzomah, who grew up in Lee’s Summit and played collegiately at Kansas State.
