NFL teams eagerly welcome numerous undrafted rookies into their squads every year, hoping to uncover a hidden gem. The Kansas City Chiefs are no different, as they signed well over a dozen UDFAs following the 2023 NFL Draft, bolstering their roster with young talent on both sides of the ball.
Over the years, the Chiefs have signed notable undrafted free agents such as Tommy Townsend, Jody Fortson, Justyn Ross, and Shane Buechele.
Which of the 2023 Kansas City UDFAs stand out as the best? Which ones have the highest ceiling and the best chances of making the final roster after training camp this year? Let's review the four most exciting undrafted free agents for the Chiefs.
KC Chiefs UDFA to be excited about No. 1: Anthony Cook, Safety, Texas
The Chiefs seem to love their Texas Longhorn defenders. Safety Anthony Cook is one of three former Texas players that Kansas City has acquired this offseason, with defensive end Charles Omenihu and defensive tackle Keondre Coburn being the other two.
Cook's versatility stood out during his college career. According to Pro Football Focus ($), he accumulated 125 defensive snaps in the box, 332 snaps at slot corner, and 237 snaps at free safety in 2022. Additionally, he contributed significantly on special teams throughout his final collegiate season.
Known for his hard-hitting style and above-average run defense, Cook does have areas for improvement, particularly in tackling and coverage skills.
Considering the depth at the safety position for the Chiefs, Cook faces challenging odds to secure a roster spot directly after training camp. However, his versatility and special teams experience could potentially work in his favor. Demonstrating exceptional performance on special teams might be his best opportunity to make the team, given the circumstances.
KC Chiefs UDFA to be excited about No. 2: Deneric Prince, Running Back, Tulsa
In my opinion, among all the 2023 undrafted free agents for the Kansas City Chiefs, running back Deneric Prince stands out with the best chance of securing a spot on the active roster after training camp.
Prince's defining attribute is his exceptional athleticism, as evidenced by his ranking as the most athletic running back in his draft class, according to NFL Next Gen Stats. His Relative Athletic Score (RAS) ranked 77th out of 1,736 running backs since 1987 highlights his remarkable physical capabilities.
In addition to his athleticism, Prince possesses solid size, demonstrates good power (albeit with occasional inconsistency), and exhibits patience as a runner. His build and speed have drawn comparisons to Isiah Pacheco.
While there are many positive aspects to Prince's game, his pass protection skills could benefit from further development, and his productivity as a receiving back in college mirrored Pacheco's rookie year struggles in that regard.
The final decision on the Chiefs' running back situation and the number of players they choose to carry at the position will heavily influence Prince's chances of making the roster later this summer. Additionally, the role of Clyde Edwards-Helaire will also factor into the equation. Overall, Prince is undeniably one of the most exciting undrafted free agents on the team, and his name could become well-known in the future.
KC Chiefs UDFA to be excited about No. 3: Jerome Carvin, Interior Offensive Lineman, Tennessee
In the modern NFL, having considerable depth on both the offensive and defensive lines is crucial, and the Kansas City Chiefs recognize this importance. The team bolstered their interior offensive line depth by adding Jerome Carvin, a former teammate of Trey Smith from Tennessee.
Carvin's standout quality lies in his versatility and extensive experience. He accumulated several hundred snaps at all three interior offensive line positions and amassed over 2,800 career snaps. Notably, he displayed competence against power rushers and showcased a reliable anchor during his tenure at Tennessee.
However, it's important to acknowledge that Carvin is somewhat of a project, which is not uncommon for undrafted players. His hand technique requires significant improvement, and his power may not fully align with his physical stature. Additionally, he doesn't possess exceptional mobility as a blocker, which is not ideal in Andy Reid's offense.
Barring any surprising performances during training camp and preseason, it is unlikely that Jerome Carvin will survive final cuts. The Chiefs boast exceptional talent on the interior offensive line, with established players like Nick Allegretti and Darian Kinnard providing solid depth. Carvin will probably spend the 2023 season on the practice squad, allowing him to further develop and compete for a roster spot in 2024.
KC Chiefs UDFA to be excited about No. 4: Nikko Remigio, Wide Receiver, Fresno State
While Rashee Rice may currently be the most popular rookie wide receiver on the Kansas City Chiefs' roster, it is important to consider that he may not necessarily be the best when it's all said and done. This is where Nikko Remigio from Fresno State comes into the picture.
Remigio's skill set differs significantly from that of Rice. While he may lack size and length, he excels as a slot receiver and possesses the ability to create separation. Additionally, his potential as a returner is highly promising.
During his college career, Remigio showcased his mastery with the ball in his hands and served as an exceptional punt returner. In 2022, he scored two punt return touchdowns, both exceeding 70 yards, with one occurring in the Mountain West Championship Game against Boise State. Defenses struggled to contain him due to his elusive change of direction. Moreover, Remigio displayed proficiency in tracking deep balls.
Despite Remigio's considerable upside, there are valid concerns about his overall game. His smaller size and lack of ideal length for an NFL receiver could limit him to the slot position within an NFL offense. Furthermore, his speed may not be exceptional enough to stand out at the professional level.
Although the likelihood isn't amazing, there exists a chance that the Chiefs may have discovered a hidden gem in Nikko Remigio. He possesses remarkable abilities after the catch and has the potential to address Kansas City's punt and kick-returning needs. With his skill set, he could become a valuable gadget player in Andy Reid's offense. While he requires further development, it is undeniable that the Chiefs obtained excellent value by signing Remigio.