If the NFL Draft selections are lottery tickets, then undrafted free agents are hitting the penny slots at Harrah's on a Friday night. Most of those free agents will never see an NFL snap or make meaningful contributions, but the few that do have value. Following the draft, the Kansas City Chiefs have identified some quality players. Defensive end Eric Hicks, punter Tommy Townsend, and tight end Demetrius Harris are just a few recent examples.
The Kansas City Chiefs found some high-upside players following the NFL Draft.
Like every other NFL team, the Chiefs actively added players following last week's draft. Some surprising players were available on the open market following the draft, such as Missouri running back Codyh Schrader or Western Kentucky quarterback Austin Reed. Kansas City did not land either player, but rather some free agents who fit better for the Chiefs.
Let's look at the most interesting acquisitions following the draft and what they bring to the organization.
1. EDGE Eyabi Okie-Anoma, Charlotte
Everyone deserves a second chance. Eyabi Okie-Anoma, a Baltimore native, is now on his third or fourth chance—his first at the professional level. Both Houston and Alabama dismissed the former five-star recruit in consecutive years due to rule violations, such as misconduct on and off the field. Despite this, he excelled with Michigan in 2022 and had a significant impact in Charlotte in 2023.
He is a developing pass rusher with a limited variety of moves on the edge. However, he demonstrates strength in initial engagements and possesses above-average speed on the edge. He is not known for his constant high energy, but instead selectively decides when to exert maximum effort.
He has an opportunity to showcase his maturity and determination in Kansas City, beginning at the team's lowest level. While he might not survive the initial camp cuts, if he has a breakthrough in mindset, he could become a valuable developmental player on the practice squad.
2. P Ryan Rehkow, BYU
Specialists are often the least exciting offseason acquisitions, but punter Ryan Rehkow is in a unique position with the Chiefs. The BYU alum quickly signed with the Super Bowl champs following the draft, surprisingly going undrafted. Rehkow has a powerful leg, managing to punt the ball for over 60 yards in multiple instances in only seven games last season. Strength is crucial in the NFL, and Rehkow faces tough competition with Matt Ariaza.
It's been more than two years since the elite punter played in a real game, so it's hard to predict how his leg will perform. But if he keeps booming punts like he did in training camp two years ago, he will be a popular punter. He has to demonstrate his skill with Rehkow closely competing with him, though.
The competition between these two talented punters will be extremely entertaining to watch. Whether Rehkow or Ariaza make it onto the 53-man roster, they will provide Kansas City with a quality replacement for Tommy Townsend.
3. RB Carson Steele, UCLA
No player's looks fit the UCLA bill better than running back Carson Steele. The Indiana native isn't going to wow fans with his track-field speed or lightning-quick cuts, but he sure brings the thunder with the ball in his hands.
Steele specializes in gaining short yardage by running directly through defenders instead of evading them. Last year, he averaged 5.1 yards per carry. In his last two collegiate seasons, he accumulated 2,373 yards and scored 20 touchdowns. He was a productive back for the Bruins, and he still has plenty of fuel left in the tank.
Steele improved his receiving skills last year, a development he must maintain in Kansas City. The Chiefs have an open competition for RB3 this summer, and Steele's power could propel him into the conversation.
4. RB Emani Bailey, TCU
Running back Emani Bailey surprisingly did not perform well at the NFL Combine, likely leading to his undrafted status. His undrafted status may not be a setback for him because he has attracted interest from teams and is in a good position to kickstart his professional career.
Bailey's speed stood out during a touchdown run against Oklahoma in 2023, where he reached a remarkable speed of 20.3 MPH. He is a bell-cow back and one that produces either rushing or catching the ball. Kansas City has shown faith in Bailey's potential by giving him $210,000 in guaranteed money, indicating their confidence in his abilities.
Brett Veach has trusted game tape over athleticism before, a la Nick Bolton. Could he do the same again with Bailey? It certainly seems possible.
5. LB Curtis Jacobs, Penn State
Going from under-athletic to impressively so, linebacker Curtis Jacobs athletic metrics jump off the screen. 35-inch vertical. 124-inch broad jump. a 4.58-second 40-yard dash. Jacobs has the juice that made him the NFL's Chad Reuter's top linebacker available following the draft.
Jacobs was an All-Big Ten honorable mention selection in 2022 and 2023, playing in all 25 games. He had 102 tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, and six sacks in that span. He accrued these numbers lining up all over the field, including 105 snaps in the slot last season.
He isn't a perfect player, but he is perhaps a great fit for a role on special teams. Kansas City needs affordable talent to fill those roles, and Jacobs fits the athletic profile. He does need to improve at tackling this summer, but his on-field issues are all amendable.