KC Chiefs free agency: The case of super special-teamer Dorian O’Daniel
By Jacob Milham
The 2018 draft class is an infamous failure for the Kansas City Chiefs. A year after the Chiefs drafted quarterback Patrick Mahomes, general manager Brett Veach fell flat. That year’s top selection, defensive end Breeland Speaks, was an absolute bust. Defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi was that year’s best selection by the Chiefs, but the class set a low bar. Nnadi has appeared in 64 games during his Chiefs tenure, yet there is another player who has appeared in 58 games. Linebacker Dorian O’Daniel somehow holds that distinction.
The former Clemson Tiger was the 100th overall selection in that draft, following Speaks and Nnadi. He came out of Clemson with several question marks, namely his lack of linebacker size and starting experience. Usually, players with glaring issues are stellar players in other areas. O’Daniel’s was special teams. NFL Analyst Lance Zierlein described him as a “madman on special teams” in his draft profile.
“He may not have the tools to become a quality full-time starter at linebacker, but his outstanding career as a special teams cover talent could be enough to earn him a roster spot and a place in the league for years to come,” Zierlein said.
A look at the upcoming free agency of Dorian O’Daniel and what it means for the Chiefs.
Kansas City has certainly leveraged those talents, with O’Daniel logging 1,131 special teams snaps in his career. However, that outpaced his 341 defensive snaps in four years. What makes it worse is O’Daniels 39 defensive snaps in three years in a unit that could utilize him.
Rookie defensive end Joshua Kaindoh logged more snaps in his first year than O’Daniel has in the past three. Not great by any stretch. Nonetheless, O’Daniel’s rookie contract has run its course. Will the 27-year-old ride his special teams into a new contract?