Chiefs among NFL teams scouting prospects at the Ohio State vs. Penn State game

With an unmatched record of identifying and acquiring young, high-caliber talent, Kansas City Chiefs general manager Brett Veach has established himself as one of the best team-builders in NFL history. His consistent ability to secure impactful players, regardless of K.C.'s draft position, emphasizes his mastery of the draft process and has secured his place atop the NFL's "GM hierarchy".

Establishing such a reputation demands extensive hours of scouting, identifying players whose skill sets fit with the team’s scheme, and, above all, a deep trust in his scouting team’s capacity to share and execute his vision.

Veach sent his guys to the Penn State vs. Ohio State matchup on Saturday, November 2nd, to hopefully find the next superstar to wear the Chiefs' red and gold. The Chiefs were just one of many teams in the league as half of all NFL teams were represented by scouts.

Here's a look at three prospects from the game who Veach's evaluators are going to be banging the table for next April.

Tyler Warren (TE, Penn State)

Tyler Warren is poised to be the first tight end selected in the 2025 NFL Draft. As the most important piece of the Penn State offense, Warren has showcased his multifaceted skill set by assuming various roles throughout the game.

During Saturday's contest, Warren not only lined up as a quarterback but also served as a fullback in short-yardage situations, a running back on early downs, and transitioned to a tight end or wide receiver on later downs. In an offense that thrives on multiplicity, Warren would serve as an invaluable asset, becoming the next chess piece for Andy Reid's scheme.

On Saturday Warren posted a state line that showcased his versatility, ending the day with 47 yards rushing on 3 attempts and 47 yards receiving on 4 catches. Not outstanding marks in any single aspect of the game but his game-high 33-yard rush and 31-yard reception showed how explosive he can be. In Andy Reid's YAC based offense, Warren would shine.

Quinshon Judkins (RB, Ohio State)

Quinshon Judkins, one of the two premier running backs from Ohio State expected to be selected in the first two rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft, showed out in Saturday's game.

Judkins' running style most closely compares to Kansas City Chiefs superstar Kareem Hunt, with his well-rounded game being the most noticeable. Though his vision isn't as sharp as the seasoned NFL veteran, Judkins has exceptional patience behind the line of scrimmage, explosive burst to accelerate through open running lanes, receiving prowess, and impressive blocking ability—all traits that make him especially noticeable to coaching staffs.

Saturday’s performance against Penn State emphasized why Judkins is the most reliable and heavily utilized ball carrier in Ohio State’s deep running back room. He ended the game with 14 carries for 95 yards, including a long run of 22 yards. Judkins showcased his explosive playmaking ability, with a significant portion of his yardage coming from outside run plays (like the one below).

Judkins really thrives when he gets the ball in space, demonstrating his ability to accelerate and create big gains in the open field. Pairing him with a back like Isiah Pacheco or Kareem Hunt—both known for their toughness between the tackles and effectiveness in short-yardage situations—could fully maximize his dynamic skill set, a combination that could catapult Kansas City's offense to the top of the league once more.

J.T. Tuimoloau (DE, Ohio State)

J.T. Tuimoloau is a stick of dynamite with arms, equally dominant against the run as he is as a pass rusher. His ability to win with raw power—a trait highly coveted by Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo—combined with his strength at the point of attack and his agility to bend around the edge, make him an unstoppable force in all aspects of the game. These attributes will skyrocket him up draft boards during the upcoming offseason.

While his size might raise concerns for some evaluators, Veach's guys understand that shorter, quicker defensive linemen can thrive in the NFL, especially when they are versatile enough to move across the defensive front to exploit favorable matchups.

As a day-one or day-two pick, Tuimoloau is a name most draft scouts will be familiar with, however, his natural abilities and determination cannot be disregarded as unwarranted hype. Come draft season, if he's available when the Chiefs are picking, he's going to be a hard prospect to pass up.

Tuimoloau's impact was immediately apparent the moment he stepped onto the field. After his dominant performance against Penn State last year—where he posted one of the most impressive stat lines in college football—the Lions made very sure to adjust their game plan to limit his impact. Tuimoloau was doubled on nearly every pass-rushing snap, resulting in a much quieter statistical performance than the previous matchup.

Even with this obvious strategic disadvantage, Tuimoloau still registered 1 solo tackle and 1 sack, underscoring his ability to make plays even when facing extra attention. His true impact, however, extends beyond his box score numbers. Tuimoloau’s disruptive presence and relentless motor would be a valuable asset to the Chiefs' defense, particularly in a scheme that is very reliant on the performance of the defensive line.