2018 NFL Draft: Kansas City Chiefs undrafted free agent tracker
By Matt Conner
Here’s a running list of the undrafted free agents the Kansas City Chiefs are bringing in after the conclusion of the 2018 NFL Draft.
While most fans only think of a specific draft class whenever the term “seokie” is mentioned, the reality is that a rookie class also typically includes a few players who never heard their names called during draft weekend. Instead, they sign with a team after the draft under the banner of undrafted free agent, an invitee, if you will, who has every hope to make the active roster of the team that invited them.
For the Kansas City Chiefs, just like any other franchise, it’s a mad dash to entice promising free agents to come to your rookie minicamp over others. Some teams will offer a vision of more playing time. Others will rely on the type of coaching staff they employ. Still others will make it about cash.
As the Chiefs sign various players or invites are confirmed, we’ll update them here. Here’s a running list of players invited to join the Chiefs for rookie minicamp or signed to priority free agent deals even though they never had their name on a draft card.
Byron Pringle, WR, Kansas State
The Kansas State wideout is already 24-years-old and was late in developing as a player due to legal run-ins earlier in life, but Pringle brings a lot to the table as a physical receiver who can also help in the return game. Last season, the 6’1, 203 lb. prospect had an incredible average of 24.1 yards/catch with totals of 30 catches, 724 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns.
At 6’3, 337 lbs., the obvious selling point in bringing in Liner is all about that size, a good 20 lbs. over any defensive lineman the Chiefs drafted in a year where the team is radically reworking the entire defensive front. Liner should join the chorus of hopefuls and hope to show off enough athleticism and agility to go with his mammoth frame. The former Alabama player finished at Arkansas State and put up a decent showing with 58 tackles, including 15 for loss, in 19 games over the last two seasons.
D’Montre Wade, CB, Murray State
For those hoping for more bodies to compete at cornerback, you’ll be glad to know the Chiefs were able to lure one of the more heralded small school corners to join them as an undrafted free agent. D’Montre Wade has nice size at 6’0, 200 lbs. and was first-team All-OVC (Ohio Valley). He also played at this year’s Senior Bowl. Shows a nice knack for making plays on the ball with 6 interceptions and 7 passes defended.
Ryan Hunter, OL, Bowling Green
At 6’3, 315 lbs, Ryan Hunter certainly looks the part as an o-line prospect, and as a Canadian, he might enjoy some commonalities with Laurent Duvernay-Tardif. The Bowling Green product has full seasons at left tackle, right tackle and left guard, so the Chiefs will appreciate his inside-out versatility.