3. DE Joshua Kaindoh
Joshua Kaindoh entered the NFL with a mix of high expectations and cautionary skepticism. As a former five-star recruit with an impressive athletic profile, Kaindoh was anticipated to bring a significant impact to the Chiefs' defense. His physical traits, including size, length, and strength, were well-suited for the defensive end position in Steve Spagnuolo's system. However, his college career at Florida State was marred by injuries and coaching changes, which affected his development and performance.
Despite the potential he showed early in his collegiate career, Kaindoh's underwhelming production raised concerns about his ability to transition to the professional level. The Chiefs took a chance on him in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, hoping their coaching staff could develop his raw talent. Scouts noted his ability to set the edge and convert speed to power but also pointed out his unpolished technique and lack of endurance.
Kaindoh's time with the Chiefs was brief and limited. He played in only three games during his rookie campaign and was consistently outperformed by other players on the depth chart, including undrafted free agent Malik Herring. His lack of availability, due to either injuries or competition, hindered his ability to contribute to the team.
Ultimately, the Chiefs released Kaindoh before the start of the regular season in his third year. This move, coupled with his limited playtime and impact, suggests that Kaindoh did not meet the expectations set for him when he was drafted. While some may still hold out hope that he could be a late bloomer, his current status as a free agent indicates that he has not yet found a role in the NFL where he can showcase the potential that once made him a highly-touted recruit.
Given the combination of his athletic potential, the limited opportunities to demonstrate his abilities, and his eventual release from the Chiefs, it is reasonable to consider Kaindoh's current NFL career trajectory as not living up to the initial expectations, leading to his bust label.