Kansas City Chiefs: 8 must-target prospects from smaller schools
By John McCarty
Kansas City Chiefs: Prospects from smaller schools
Christian Uphoff, SS, Illinois State
The KC Chiefs are on the brink of sorts with their defensive backs, as a vast majority of their defensive back room are free agents. Players with expiring contracts after the 2021 season are Tyrann Mathieu, Armani Watts, Daniel Sorensen, and Charvarius Ward. That is a lot of depth that may not return.
Athletically, Christian Uphoff is very similar to Sorensen. At 6’2″, he has the length and physicality to help in the run game but shows enough instincts to help in the pass coverage as well. Coming from the lower level, he may need a year to truly put on NFL weight while learning and acclimating to the speed of the game. It’s a good thing the Chiefs can afford him that chance.
Must Read. Ranking 5 Most Realistic Targets at Pick No. 31. light
Finding and hitting on developmental draft selections will be key for the Chiefs going forward, as they continue their drive to compete for conference championships and Super Bowls. Hitting on late-round picks is vital, though a bit unfair because the Chiefs don’t appear willing to accumulate middle-round selections.
Uphoff is exactly the kind of player the Chiefs should be looking to land in the later rounds.