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Dark Horse Nominees Win The NFL’s Biggest Awards In 2023 | Ovarian report
Defensive Rookie of the Year
Felix Anodic-Ozuma, EDGE, Kansas City Chiefs (+2000)
For the second time in as many years, the Kansas City Chiefs have used their first pick in the 2023 draft on an edge. This time it was a local product Kansas StateTeam president Felix Anodic-Uzuma and general manager Brett Veitch told reporters he believes the sky is the limit for the 21-year-old.
“He had a ton of production in Kansas,” Fitch said. “He just turned 21, so most of that production has been coming in big conference at 19 and 20, and I think every year he’s been there you can see the growth and development. I still think there’s a big window for him to continue to grow and develop, and we We are excited to have reached him at this point in his career and at his young age. We have plenty of years to continue to grow and develop him.”
Anudike-Uzomah has certainly been productive – over his last two seasons in Manhattan, Anudike-Uzomah averaged over 48 tackles, compiled 25.5 tackles for loss and accumulated 19.5 sacks. But this throughput is only part of the reason why Anudike-Uzomah is listed here.
The other part is opportunity. Just as with George Carlaftis a year earlier, there is a relatively clear path to Anodic-Ozuma’s early play. The only person standing between Anudike-Uzomah and the starting lineup is Charles Omenihu, who was a complement player with 49ers in 2022.
Anudike-Uzomah could get his start against Karlaftis on relatively short notice, and given the time the Chiefs spend playing out front, sticking their ears back and rushing passers, it could open the door to a very productive first season.
The other nominees for Dark Horse Defensive Starter of the Year: Dudent Banks, CB, New York Giants (+2000); Joey Porter Jr., CB, Pittsburgh Steelers (+2500)
2023 NFL Season: Ranking all 8 candidates to go from worst to first in division races | NFL.com
5 – Denver Broncos
AFC West Record in 2022: 5-12
The arrival of Sean Payton immediately raises Denver’s chances to compete. There is a lot to like about this list. Justin Simmons, Patrick Sartain II, Zach Allen and Randy Gregory highlight a formidable defense under Vance Joseph. Jerry Goody, Courtland Sutton and Tim Patrick bring a lot of positive aspects into the receiver – if they stay healthy. The Broncos have signed Samaji Perrin to partner Javonte Williams, who may be ready at the start of training camp after a knee injury at the end of last season. The bigger question is whether Payton’s charm will convince Russell Wilson to come back for it Pro Bowl Knock on after the disastrous 2022 campaign. But the biggest blow to Denver’s chances of going from worst to first is playing in the AFC West, where they’ll have to beat Patrick Mahomes and a back-to-back to back-to-back game. The winning team chiefs back-to-back.
Nick Bolton bullish on S Bryan Cook for second year at Kansas City Chiefs | wire heads
Although former Mizzou quarterback shines brightly in the Chiefs OTAs, perhaps most telling is his comments on sophomore safety Bryan Cook. He is expected to step up in place of Juan ThornhillBolton told reporters that Cook is preparing for an outstanding 2023 season.
“Since he’s a rookie I can tell he has confidence in him, (the ability) to just talk,” Poulton joked. “[Even] If he’s 100% wrong, he makes you believe he’s 100% right. So, that’s the confidence you need on the back end and we love that. So, it’s growing. You could tell he’s put in a lot of work in the off-season, Stage 1, Stage 2 and now he’s leading into this Stage 3. Being able to echo calls, get the guys to line up and even if we’re trying to show something that if he makes a mistake he’ll He makes sure we know him. So, we love that. Willie (Jay) likes it, too. We love the competition it brings.”
While choosing Mahomes over Peyton Manning, here’s what Broussard had to say on “First Things First:”
“He’s the third best right now. They’re Tom Brady, Joe Montana, Patrick Mahomes, that’s it, and I got him ahead of Peyton obviously, and so I did. You mentioned he’d already have a great career if he’d stop now, and Mahomes, as far as he is Chief, is the show.”
About the NFL
Free agent RB Le’Veon Bell says he smokes marijuana before games | ESPN
Bell, who last played in the NFL in 2021, opened up on his “Steel Here” podcast, which focuses on the Pittsburgh Steelers. Bell played for Pittsburgh from 2013 to 2017, then missed the 2018 season amid a contract battle with the team.
“Looking at this, that’s what I did,” said Bill. “When I was playing soccer, I used to smoke, bro. Even before games, I’d smoke and go out there and run for 150 people, two [touchdowns]. “
Lions Aidan Hutchinson Rookie of the Year, 2023 NFL Predictions | ESPN
Another guy I obviously grew up watching was Aaron Rodgers. Being part of that sunday night game vs Packers Until the end of the season — and also getting two sacks and playing a productive game — and that being at Lambeau Field, man, was a great feeling.
It was a special feeling but also bittersweet. We felt like we were one of the best teams in the league, but we haven’t been consistent all season. I thought we were rolling so well by the end of the year that we were going to be dangerous in the playoffs. So it was a little bit bittersweet not to have a chance in the postseason with that win. But to beat Rodgers in his final match at the Lambeau and be part of that history was something special.
But while his numbers continue to match those of other top receivers in the league, Goodwin said this week that, as many players returning from ACL tears, he still feels 100% in his first year. behind.
“It was the difference between night and day between last year and this year,” Goodwin said. “To be here now, it’s a blessing. It’s been a lot of hard work. Like I said, I took a much-needed break right after the season. But I feel really good. I feel really good where I’m at. It’s a new year, new opportunities for me and all the men around me.”
The 27-year-old received a three-year, $60 million deal from the Bucs heading into the 2022 season, despite being in the midst of an ACL recovery at the time. Once back on the field, Goodwin proved he was still a formidable passing player, with 1,023 passing yards and 104 catches, 21st and 8th in the league, respectively.
In case you missed it on Arrowhead Pride
Chiefs Hot Tex: Kansas City Has a Top 10 Defense in 2023
It won’t be a repeat of last season when it comes to producing starters.
This would be a full 180 after what the Chiefs saw a season ago. The freshman class of 2022 had great contributions from all but Darian Kennard and Nazih Johnson.
Running Isiah Pacheco, defensive end George Karlaftis, cornerbacks Trent McDuffie and Skyy Moore highlighted the production.
This will be hard to replicate, but that’s always been General Manager Brett Veitch’s goal. It’s only May, but I think it’s safe to assume that newbies Felix Anodic-Ozuma and Rashi Rice will have every chance to showcase their abilities.
I also think there are ways for Chamarri Conner and Keondre Coburn to be contributors right away.