What do the Chiefs see in undrafted rookie Pete Nygra?

As the start of training camp and the 2026 preseason loom closer than ever, fan bases from all over the world are eager for it to commence. As all teams do once the draft ends, the Kansas City Chiefs loaded up on undrafted free agents (UDFAs) who could be diamonds in the rough for their roster and the upcoming season. The Chiefs did just that and looked to add to their already impressive offensive line by signing some interesting prospects.

One of these prospects is Pete Nygra, a center from the University of Louisville. Now, the question is: What do the Chiefs see in him?

Pete Nygra: High School to the NFL

Pete Nygra attended Brownsburg High School in Brownsburg, Indiana. He was a two-star prospect according to 247Sports and had offers from Northern Illinois, Ball State, Central Michigan, and Western Michigan. He chose Northern Illinois to start his career and enrolled there in 2021. He stayed there for three years (2021–2023), playing in 25 career games and not allowing a single sack during the 2023 season.

Nygra then entered the transfer portal in 2023, where he signed with the University of Louisville and became an immediate starter. In 2024, he allowed one sack in 848 total snaps across 13 starts. In 2025, he earned All-ACC Honorable Mention honors and started all 12 games for Louisville that season. Due to his success in FBS football, he was invited to the East-West Shrine Bowl.

In terms of his measurables, Nygra measured 6-foot-3 5/8 and 300 pounds, with 9 5/8-inch hands, 32 3/8-inch arms, a 76 7/8-inch wingspan, a 30 1/2-inch vertical jump, and an 8-foot-11 broad jump. He did not participate in any other drills.

What do the Chiefs see in him?

The Chiefs see Nygra as a viable backup option to Creed Humphrey. Depth is always needed in the NFL, and the Chiefs believe Nygra can provide that in a worst-case scenario and contribute on special teams. He has proven to be a strong pass blocker throughout his career, as evidenced by his All-ACC Honorable Mention honors and his 2024 campaign. During training camp, I can see him getting plenty of reps with the second- and third-team units.

To add on, I can see him being an interesting option as an extra goal-line blocker. In the small amount of film I was able to find, he displayed good initial quickness and explosive strength off the line of scrimmage, disrupting defenders' initial attacks. This is critical at the goal line, where every inch matters, and you want an offensive lineman who can generate a strong initial push and disrupt defenders. He will be someone to watch during training camp and the preseason.

Nygra's Competition

Another key part of training camp will be the competition Nygra faces within the Chiefs' offensive line room and whether he can earn a spot on the final 53-man roster. His primary competition is Hunter Nourzad, a former fifth-round pick by Kansas City in 2024. Last season, Nourzad logged 92 offensive snaps and 63 special teams snaps while earning a 60.1 Pro Football Focus grade. Nygra will also have to compete with other interior offensive linemen if the Chiefs view him as a guard option, including C.J. Hanson and Josh Thompson.

If Nygra impresses during training camp and the preseason, one or two interior offensive linemen could find themselves on the roster bubble when final cuts arrive. Whatever the case, like every other undrafted free agent signed by the Chiefs, Nygra will have to prove he is one of the team's best 53 players.

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