The Chiefs signed 17 of undrafted free agents following the 2019 draft and added three more following rookie minicamp.
Most of these guys won’t make the team right out of the gate, but there are a few that will join the team and make an impact right away. Below you’ll find six players I have highlighted that have a chance to make the team either as a practice squad player, on the active roster or as a redshirt player. Last season three of the players that I highlighted ended up on the active roster and another on the practice squad.
Here’s a look at the six undrafted free agents that I feel have the best shot to stick with the team.
New Mexico CB Jalin Burrell
I know there is a lot of excitement for Clemson CB Mark Fields, but right now the Chiefs have a quite a few guys who project as a nickel corner. Kendall Fuller is the starter there and Tremon Smith the backup. Keith Reaser has also played that spot in the past for the Chiefs. At some point the Chiefs have to prioritize outside corners.
Burrell was a standout during the Chiefs’ rookie minicamp, consistently making plays throughout the weekend. He even earned a high five from defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. Catching the attention of your defensive coordinator right away has to count for something.
At 6-2 and 190 pounds he’s a fit to play along the perimeter. He brings a physical presence to his game, which includes being unafraid to come up and make a tackle. The big question will be is whether he can keep up a consistent level of play once the pads come on during the offseason program.
Continue…
Texas LB Gary Johnson
Johnson said it himself, his speed will keep him on the field when it would typically take other players off the field. He can match up against slots, tight ends and running backs with relative ease. That’s extremely valuable in a league that is all about finding and exploiting favorable matchups.
Speed is also something that will help Johnson stick around for a long time if he’s willing to play special teams. The Chiefs have a history of developing linebackers into standout players on special teams coverage units. Given Johnson’s speed, he should be able to make an immediate impact there.
Don’t forget, the Chiefs did very little to address the linebacker position this offseason, aside from adding SAM linebackers Damien Wilson and Jeremiah Attaochu. Johnson could be one of the guys who makes the roster and contributes sooner than later.
Continue…
Toledo WR Cody Thompson
The Chiefs lack receiver depth. There’s uncertainty surrounding a potential Tyreek Hill suspension and Sammy Watkins’ extensive injury history is concerning. The Chiefs could quickly go from their receiver group being a strength, to having to rely on Demarcus Robinson and Mecole Hardman as starters. That leaves room for a player like Thompson to come in and make the team.
Thompson has admitted he’s not going to be the fastest guy on the field, but he prides himself on the ability to get open based on his knowledge of the game. There’s always room for smart receivers in the NFL. Guys who can get open with an understanding of defensive coverages and doing good scouting on their opponents.
Thompson also adds a great deal of value on special teams. He’s been a standout gunner in punt coverage throughout his career at Toledo. That will help add value to having him on the 53-man roster.
Continue…
Florida Atlantic DB Andrew Soroh
2015 is the last season where the Chiefs haven’t had one safety on their practice squad. Of the group the Chiefs currently have on the roster, only Soroh and Harold Jones-Quartey are guys that can be stashed on the practice squad.
Soroh brings a lot of versatility to his game that will add significant value. He can line up in the box as a traditional strong safety. He has the toughness and instincts to play linebacker in sub packages, a spot that he played in his final year of college ball. He also has the range to play deep safety, though, I’m not sure that is his best spot.
He’s already made the 90-man roster as a tryout player, so I think it’s a stretch that he’ll make the 53-man roster right away. The practice squad feels inevitable for Soroh at this point.
Continue…
Old Dominion DE Tim Ward
The Chiefs placed Ward on the NFI list shortly after rookie minicamp. Ward had an ACL injury with Old Dominion in November and has since had surgery to repair his knee. The Chiefs had Ward in for a top-30 visit, most likely to get a look at his knee. It’s not yet clear when Ward will be ready, but it sounds like the Chiefs are planning to give him a redshirt year.
“You may not see him this year, but we’re going to take our time with his rehab,” Brett Veach said of Ward in April. “We’re not going to rush him, and he could be a guy that could really develop and be a player in the future.”
The team seems to be extremely excited about Ward as a developmental prospect. Even if they don’t get the opportunity to get him out on the field this year, Veach seems to have expectations that he’ll play for this team in the future. I won’t be shocked to see him placed on injured reserve before the start of the season.
Continue…
Princeton QB/TE/FB John Lovett
The Chiefs love taking athletes and developing them at the tight end position. You can trace it back to the days of Tony Gonzalez, but even recently former basketball players like Demetrius Harris and Ross Travis have received significant developmental time with the Chiefs.
Lovett is cut from a different cloth than those guys because he’s already a football player, he’s just making a change to a different position. He’s also a different style of player too. Brett Veach likened him to Trey Burton (pictured above) and how the Eagles and Bears have used him – as a hybrid H-back and tight end.
The Chiefs lack tight end depth and it’s not yet clear how ready Lovett is for the NFL game. I think one way or the other Lovett will remain a member of the Chiefs, either on the active roster, or on the practice squad. It’s just going to depend on how quickly he comes along.
Go back…
