Former Chiefs first-round draft pick is finally coming into his own and can further prove it in Week 7 vs. 49ers

The Kansas City Chiefs are getting more out of former first-round draft pick Felix Anudike-Uzomah than ever before.

In just 81 total defensive snaps across five weeks of play, Anudike-Uzomah has produced one sack, five pressures, five defensive stops, seven tackles, two tackles for loss, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. It's not just about the box score, though. The former No. 32 overall pick is playing up to his potential and it's coming not a moment too late for Kansas City.

Chiefs All-Pro DT Chris Jones spoke about Anudike-Uzomah's continued progress on Thursday.

"Listen, man, I said it during training camp," Jones began. "Felix (Anudike-Uzomah) is playing some really good ball. He's coming into his self, you know. And I think that happens with repetition, catching the speed of the game coming out of K-State, it's a different type of game. You know what I mean? If it was the SEC, I'd be different about it, but I'm biased. But no, he's coming in and he's progressing well. I think that has a lot to do with Joe Cullen in the room, and we continue to demand better out of him, and he's taking it well. So (he's) got to continue to be consistent with it and continue to get better off of that and continue to build."

Opportunity knocks for Chiefs DE Felix Anudike-Uzomah against the 49ers in Week 7

Chiefs DE Mike Danna has now missed two consecutive practices with a strained pec, which means that Anudike-Uzomah could be in line to make his second start of the 2024 NFL season. Anudike-Uzomah earned the start in place of Danna back in Week 4 against the Los Angeles Chargers when No. 51 was dealing with a calf injury.

Steve Spagnuolo emphasized that Danna's injury means there's an opportunity for Anudike-Uzomah.

"I've been pleased with him and this is a great opportunity for him, right? I mean, one guy goes down, another guy gets some more reps," Spagnuolo told reporters on Thursday. "And, you know, when Mike (Danna) has gotten hurt, Felix's reps have gone up. The same will happen with Malik (Herring). He's getting better and better at everything he does. He made a mistake yesterday that's sticking out. It was during the walkthrough, but he'll get that one. I'm glad he made it, you know, yesterday, because I don't fix it in the game. But no, he just keeps building. And that's a good thing." 

Anudike-Uzomah played 26 total defensive snaps in Week 45 against the Chargers. It was good for the second-most in a single game of his career. Practice makes perfect in this particular situation. The more opportunities Anudike-Uzomah receives, the more chances he'll have to grow, learn, and make an impact on the game.