The Kansas City Chiefs have a solid history of making the most of their Day 3 draft selections since Brett Veach took over as general manager.
Over the last five years, they’ve found key role players such as Nick Allegretti, Rashad Fenton, Mike Danna, L’Jarius Sneed, Trey Smith, Noah Gray, Jaylen Watson, Isiah Pacheco, and Joshua Williams. Draft classes are often measured by their top selections, but rosters are measured by the success of Day 3 selections.
This year, the Chiefs’ Day 3 picks are spread out, without having any fifth- or sixth-round picks. The Chiefs have three seventh-round choices (226, 251, and 257). While we might not be able to predict how they maneuver the board on draft weekend, we can expect the Chiefs to have several selections on the final day.
Let’s take a look at some of the draft's most underrated names and why the Chiefs would be excited to add them.
1. Shaun Dolac, LB, Buffalo
Dolac is a fifth-year senior linebacker out of the MAC. At 6'0" and 221 lbs., he projects as a dime or weakside coverage LB. He was named the MAC Defender of the Year and led all FBS in tackles. He is a springy and energetic coverage backer who had 10 passes defended and 5 interceptions in his senior year. His 90th-percentile Relative Athletic Score will have teams betting on his traits and motor. He figures to be an immediate five-phase contributor on special teams and could develop into a defensive starter.
2. Dont'e Thornton Jr., WR, Tennessee
At 6'4", 205 lbs. and with a 4.30 40-yard dash, Thornton offers elite size and speed at the receiver position. Like many receivers from Tennessee in the Josh Heupel system, he also runs about 3–4 routes total, which limits his ceiling overall. However, there’s a long list of NFL careers at the receiver position based on being big, fast, and able to stretch the field.
Thornton isn’t particularly dynamic at breaking tackles either, but he can run block at an acceptable rate and operate as an X receiver to stretch the field. This is Marquez Valdes-Scantling on a rookie contract. While Chiefs fans may hate hearing that name, that’s two-time Super Bowl Champion MVS to you.
3. Tommi Hill, DB, Nebraska
Tommi Hill's draft stock peaked after the Cornhuskers’ dominant win over Colorado last season. He was mocked in the first round by Field Yates, and it seemed like the arrow was only pointing up. Shortly after, a nagging foot injury caused Hill to miss six games, and he never returned to form.
At 6'0", 213 lbs., Hill is built like a safety with long arms and elite ball skills (converted from wide receiver). He’s also had return experience. Hill could easily outperform his draft slot if he gets back to his 2023 form—or the start of 2024. He could possibly move to safety as well, making him a nice prospect to bet on.
4. LeQuint Allen, RB, Syracuse
Allen projects as one of the best "change-of-pace" or third-down backs in the draft class. His 521 receiving yards and 64 receptions were a school record for a running back at Syracuse. Despite being 6'0", 204 lbs., he has surprising contact balance and a second gear that helps him break away from defenders.
Allen is also one of the better pass protectors in one of college football’s most pass-heavy attacks in 2024. Maybe it’s his long strides, patient vision, or the #1, but it’s hard not to see shades of Jerick McKinnon in his game.
5. Rylie Mills, IDL, Notre Dame
Mills led an impressive Fighting Irish defense in sacks and was voted a team captain. At 6'5", 296 lbs., he's a long and powerful defender with great explosion (two-time member of Feldman’s Freaks). His moderate arm length (32 5/8") and underdeveloped pass rush plan make him a relatively low-ceiling prospect. Still, his leadership (voted Iron Cross award winner for weight room excellence) and hustle make him a player worth betting on for Day 3.
6. Hollin Pierce, OT, Rutgers
At over 6'8" and 341 lbs., with rare 36-inch arms and an 88 1/4" wingspan, Hollin Pierce is an NBA player lining up at left tackle, which, with his basketball background, makes sense. He’s a fifth-year senior who received second-team All-Big Ten honors in 2024. Despite his massive frame, he carries his weight well and possesses a remarkable punch that makes him nearly unbeatable on the inside.
At 24 years of age, he projects as a traits-based project tackle with unteachable length. Coaches described him as dedicated and a technician of the game, with over 50 games started at both right and left tackle. It's a profile worth betting on.
7. J.J. Pegues, FB/IDL Ole Miss
Pegues is one of the most fun players to talk about in this draft. He’s a two-way player with less hype than Travis Hunter. Despite being 6'3", 309 lbs., Pegues was frequently used as a fullback or tight end in the Ole Miss offense, with scoring seven rushing touchdowns in his senior season.
As a defensive lineman, Pegues has a powerful core that helps him get under blockers and win with leverage. It’s almost like his background as a tight end helps him get his hands involved as a defender. Chiefs Kingdom has witnessed Dontari Poe tossing a touchdown and catching one as well. It’s time to get another big man in the end zone.
8. Oronde Gadsen II, TE Syracuse
Son of NFL Super Bowl Champion receiver Oronde Gadsden, the younger started as a wide receiver. In his second season, he was moved to a hybrid tight end role.
At 6'5", 241 lbs., Gadsden has modest size for a tight end and was used in a “joker” role in the Syracuse offense. He lined up all over the field—including H/Y TE, Z or X, and even in the slot. His receiver hands show in his game, as he was excellent with contested catches and body control. He’s not a blocker you’d want to rely on at the NFL level, but he can be functional. Modest YAC ability and agility have him as a projectable second or third tight end at the next level.
9. Jah Joyner, ED, Minnesota
Joyner is a high fit for the Chiefs’ defensive thresholds at 6'4", 264 lbs., and with 34-inch arms. He finished strong at Minnesota with 13 sacks and 4 forced fumbles over his last two seasons. Coaches rave about his work ethic and his ability to mold his body after coming into college at 220 lbs. His length comes in handy for batting balls at the line of scrimmage and setting the edge against the run. He’s not the most dynamic in space and was only a full-time starter for 13 games.
10. Jacory Croskey- Merrit, RB, Arizona
Jacory Croskey-Merritt only played one game for Arizona due to eligibility concerns. He’s a fifth-year senior with a large track record of production across three schools. He has nice breakaway speed, with long strides and clean cuts in and out of his breaks. He’s one of the better pass protectors in the class and shined at the Shrine Bowl. The Chiefs have added three standout running backs from the Shrine Bowl in recent years (Pacheco, Steele, and Prince). His ability to break long runs with surprising contact balance makes him an ideal change-of-pace back at the next level.