KC Chiefs: 4 UDFA signings who could make the 2021 roster
The 2021 NFL Draft has concluded and the KC Chiefs have signed several intriguing UDFAs. Here are four names who could find their way onto the Chiefs’ roster come the regular season.
After Mr. Irrelevant is crowned in the NFL Draft, the pandemonium of undrafted free agency begins. The Kansas City Chiefs have found themselves a gem after the draft wraps up, including Tershawn Wharton and Tommy Townsend last year, both of whom were key factors for the team throughout the season.
This year, the Chiefs have four UDFAs who could make a splash during training camp and preseason. If things break the right way, these players could make it onto the regular-season roster.
UDFAs who could make KC Chiefs’ roster
4. Devon Key, DB (Western Kentucky)
What jumps out the most about Devon Key is “Holy cow this guy had a lot of tackles for a defensive back!” Key tallied 344 tackles through four years at Western Kentucky, including 182 tackles over the past two years. Of course, when a defensive back is tackling this much, it probably means the team’s defensive line and linebackers aren’t very good, but hey — This is about Key’s accomplishments.
Former Western Kentucky safety Devon Key is signing with the #Chiefs, per source.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) May 1, 2021
Here was part of Lance Zierlein’s write-up of Key on NFL.com:
"His size, speed and explosiveness numbers will matter to some teams, but it’s not always easy to see those attributes translating to the field when it comes to the athleticism needed in coverage and as an open-field tackler. Key is trustworthy around the line of scrimmage and is ready to do his part to stuff the run. With his measurables and potential as a special teams contributor, it would not be a surprise to see him get a shot in the NFL."
Zierlein also noted that Key would likely be used as a safety and the Chiefs could certainly use some depth there behind Tyrann Mathieu, Juan Thornhill, and Daniel Sorensen. Key would be someone who could be utilized on special teams and with his tackling abilities, he’d fit in well there.
Durability is another big thing Key offers, having appeared in 49 of 50 possible games for Western Kentucky. I like his chances of not only making the roster but being a dark horse contributor on this team in the future.