A few recent undrafted free agents have made their presence felt with the Kansas City Chiefs. Currently, Christian Roland-Wallace has grown into a versatile piece in heavy defensive back packages. Linebacker Jack Cochrane garnered plenty of snaps on special teams over the last few years. And at linebacker, Cooper McDonald is the next former UDFA looking to secure significant snaps.
McDonald made the Chiefs' 53-man roster to open last season, and 289 of his 346 snaps were on special teams. But with his profile, McDonald creates intrigue as a piece who could fill new defensive voids for Kansas City.
McDonald earned experience in multiple programs
McDonald was part of three different college football programs over the course of five seasons. He packs impressive size. Kansas City can hope that some of that frame leads to physicality and toughness. If he is going to replace part of the snap share that Leo Chenal held, being able to impose a physical style against opponents will be a key aspect of seeing more defensive snaps.
The football IQ and athleticism generally required in the Chiefs' defense are key. At linebacker, Nick Bolton is one of the smarter linebackers Kansas City has ever had, but at times, his play in space can be limited, to say the least. Veteran Drue Tranquill is not a complete liability in space. However, he is not as fast as he was during his Chargers tenure.
McDonald presents a fascinating case worth tapping into to complement those two in 2026. No one is expecting him to be elite at covering ground and eating up space to take plays away. However, McDonald is a younger, fresher linebacker that the Chiefs can insert alongside the stoutness that Bolton or Tranquill provide in specific areas.
Is a versatile role possible?
Where could McDonald see an advantage when it comes to receiving more defensive snaps? For starters, Kansas City may use him as a player flexed into multiple alignments. Beyond a regular linebacker alignment, it would not be all that surprising to see him pushed down near the line of scrimmage on occasion. Once again, taking on some of what the departed Chenal offered for K.C.
How about as a blitzer? The Chiefs should not be opposed to trying out some new wrinkles with the rookies they drafted this spring. But even in their more base or modern looks, McDonald is a piece they could throw in as an additional pass rusher for extra heat.
Any progress for McDonald could ease Chiefs' future LB decisions
The greatest key for McDonald is likely how he handles pass coverage reps. Kansas City can stand to improve its ability to find and track down pass catchers at the second level. For years, opponents feasted when attacking with tight ends. Whether it be them or slot receivers, the Chiefs are better served getting McDonald's build and instincts into the mix in obvious passing situations.
If McDonald can thrive and be passable in passing situations, that could greatly impact the team's future decisions at linebacker. Does Bolton become a cap casualty or pay-cut candidate for 2027? Tranquill was already willing to take a pay cut to stay in 2026. Perhaps any shine from McDonald also impacts what style of linebacker the Chiefs continue to employ.
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