Training camp is fast approaching, and fans from all over the league are ready to see which players emerge as under-the-radar finds. With UDFAs often becoming the talk of the town in this regard, many have gone on to make their mark in the NFL, with training camp serving as their proving ground.
For the Chiefs, they always look for the best talent available, and in the wide receiver room, there may be a gem in the midst of it all. That wide receiver would be none other than Jacob De Jesus, a UDFA signing from the University of California, Berkeley. Now the question remains: what do the Chiefs see in this intriguing rookie wide receiver?
Jacob De Jesus: High School to the NFL
Jacob De Jesus attended Manteca High School in California, where he did not receive any Division I offers. He began his college career at Modesto Junior College in California, where he played for two seasons. During his JUCO career, he appeared in 20 games, recording 105 receptions for 1,380 yards and seven touchdowns while finishing with 2,550 all-purpose yards.
In 2023, he transferred to UNLV, where he spent two seasons. He played in 27 games, totaling 96 receptions for 1,118 yards and five touchdowns while adding 509 punt return yards and 1,012 kick return yards. He led the Mountain West Conference in punt return yards in both 2023 and 2024 and led the conference in kickoff return yards in 2023.
JACOB DE JESUS FOR 43 pic.twitter.com/qfIlFiO2Di
— UNLV Football (@unlvfootball) November 17, 2024
In 2025, De Jesus exploded onto the scene in the ACC with the California Golden Bears. He recorded 108 receptions for 1,030 yards and six touchdowns while adding 259 punt return yards and 363 kick return yards in 13 games. De Jesus ranked second in the ACC and the nation in receptions, fourth in the ACC in receiving yards, and sixth in the ACC in receiving touchdowns. He earned First-Team All-ACC honors as an all-purpose player and specialist, along with Second-Team All-ACC honors at wide receiver.
De Jesus measured 5-foot-6 and 174 pounds with 27 3/4-inch arms, 8 5/8-inch hands, and a 66 7/8-inch wingspan. He also ran a 4.60-second 40-yard dash, a 4.28-second 20-yard shuttle, and a 7.22-second three-cone drill, along with posting a 32 1/2-inch vertical jump, a 9-foot-6 broad jump, and 13 bench press reps at his Pro Day.
What do the Chiefs see in Jacob De Jesus?
Given his size, de Jesus projects as a developmental slot receiver who can also provide value as a gadget player or kick and punt returner. After watching some of his highlight tape, he displayed multiple flashes of potential as a returner at the Power Four level. He also showed reliable hands, strong ball tracking, concentration, and grip strength, helping him record 108 receptions during the season. In addition, he flashed potential as a red-zone target and in the short passing game on routes such as drags, hitches, and slants. To me, the Chiefs are primarily interested in the versatility he brings and the reliability of his hands.
The competition for Jacob De Jesus
De Jesus will face strong competition for a slot receiver spot on the roster this season. He will compete against veterans such as Tyquan Thornton and Nikko Remigio, along with fellow rookie Cyrus Allen. He must also prove he is one of the team's best overall offensive players by maximizing his value on both offense and special teams.
The climb to a roster spot will not be easy. However, with De Jesus' skill set, he has a legitimate opportunity to make a strong impression during the preseason and earn a place on the Chiefs' final 53-man roster.
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