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Former Missouri safety Martez Manuel signs UDFA deal with Chiefs

PeterWarrenPhoto2by:Peter Warren•04/30/23•

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The Kansas City Chiefs have signed Missouri safety Martez Manuel as an undrafted free agent after the 2023 NFL Draft, according to a Sunday report from Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 in Houston.

Manuel was a three-year starter for the Tigers as a defensive back after playing as a backup in 2019. As a senior, he notched 49 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and four sacks.

He was a three-star recruit coming out of Columbia (Mo.) Rock Bridge. Manuel ranked as the No. 746 overall recruit and No. 67 safety in the 2019 On3 Industry Ranking. The On3 Industry is a proprietary algorithm that compiles ratings and rankings from all four major recruiting media services. The On3 Industry Ranking is the most advanced, complete and unbiased rating and ranking measurement in the industry. 

Martez Manuel joins Kansas City Chiefs’ 2023 draft picks

Martez Manuel joins a Kansas City Chiefs team that had seven selections in last night’s NFL Draft. Kansas State EDGE Felix Anudike-Uzomah was the team’s first round selection as Kansas City nabbed him with the No. 31 overall pick.

The Chiefs drafted two defensive backs in Virginia Tech defensive back Chamarri Conner at No. 119 and Ball State cornerback Nic Jones at No. 250 overall.

Kansas City also selected SMU wide receiver Rashee Rice, Oklahoma offensive tackle Wanya Morris, Stephen F. Austin EDGE BJ Thompson and Texas defensive tackle Keondre Coburn.

“A hard-charging edge prospect, Anudike-Uzomah has good strength and a long frame that should continue to fill out,” NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlein wrote in his scouting report on Anudike-Uzomah. “His run defense is unrefined and in need of better fundamentals, but he’s clearly gone to school on his pass-rush approach, adding several new wrinkles to his attack in 2022. His urgency leads to playmaking opportunities, but he will need to harness that energy and play with better control to become a more efficient defender. There is more polish needed, but Anudike-Uzomah’s NFL rush potential should eventually make him an NFL starter.”