4 Chiefs Undrafted Free Agents Who Can Make the 53-Man Roster

While Brett Veach and the Chiefs did a splendid job in the 2024 NFL Draft, they've been hard at work in finding undrafted free agents to bolster the roster as well.

Combining signees with players receiving a rookie minicamp invite, there are over 20 undrafted rookies vying for a spot on Kansas City's roster. Some have a head start due to signing bonuses, though minicamp next week will be a proving ground where others could rise up the ranks.

Considering the Chiefs' positional needs, I'd expect at least a few players to receive strong consideration for the 53-man roster and at worst, the practice squad. Let's look at four players with a legitimate chance to earn a roster spot in the coming months.

4 UDFAs Who Can Make the Chiefs' 53-Man Roster

1. Curtis Jacobs - LB, Penn State

If I had to bet on one player to make the 53-man roster out of all Chiefs' undrafted free agents, I'd put my money on Curtis Jacobs. Most draft services expected him to go in the middle rounds, and his combination of experience, versatility, and athleticism give him an edge over his competition.

Jacobs ran a 4.58 40-yard dash and ranked in the 86th percentile in broad jump and 87th percentile in wingspan. Throughout his career at Penn State, he compiled 171 tackles (24 for loss), 9.5 sacks, and a pair of interceptions while roaming the middle of the field and showcasing special teams ability as well.

A two-time All-Big 10 honorable mention, Jacobs could develop at the beginning of the season while being an option long-term to fill Willie Gay Jr.'s role. Nick Bolton, Drue Tranquill, and Leo Chenal are all established, but the Chiefs lack true depth behind that trio right now.

Jacobs' knack for the ball and pass-coverage chops would fit Steve Spagnuolo's defense well, though Jacobs could be a reliable contributor for Dave Toub on special teams as he learns the ropes.

Guys at his size and speed translate well, especially when they have experience against major competition like Jacobs does. Keep him on your radar and expect him to make the 53-man roster.

2. Miles Battle - CB, Utah

The Chiefs did take an ideal cornerback prospect in the sixth round in Kamal Hadden, but I'm thrilled to see what Miles Battle can bring to the table as an undrafted free agent as well. He's already starting to win over Chiefs fans off the field, though Kansas City will soon fall in love with his on-field contributions as well.

Battle transferred to Utah after spending the majority of his time in college at Mississippi. He had 98 career tackles, 19 deflected passes and three interceptions.

It's hard to find cornerbacks who are 6'3", run a 4.37 40-yard dash and can jump out of the stadium, so Battle should get a long look throughout the summer. Originally a wide receiver prospect, Battle was the 37th-ranked player in Texas out of high school with 2,036 career receiving yards and 30 TDs.

I always like players who have played multiple positions, and Battle has a better understanding of route-running and anticipation thanks to that experience.

Battle is an intriguing prospect by any measure, and he'd make a perfect addition to the end of the Chiefs' cornerback group.

3. Eyabi Okie-Anoma - EDGE, Charlotte

Eyabi Okie-Anoma is a stellar athlete, running a 4.6 40-yard dash at 6'5", 244 LBs. He earned Second-Team All-AAC honors and played at Michigan and Alabama as well, being named to the SEC All-Freshman team back in 2018.

The No. 1 overall recruit from Maryland in high school and No. 7 nationwide, Okie-Anoma has incredible pedigree and represents the kind of high-upside risk the Chiefs love to take. He was dismissed from two college teams due to off-field issues and violations of team rules, but Kansas City has a knack for developing character in prospects who have experienced turbulence.

If you can't figure out how to be a professional when buoyed by guys like Chris Jones under Andy Reid's tutelage, you probably weren't going to figure it out.

But if Okie-Anoma does deliver on his immense promise, the Chiefs could have an extremely exciting pass rusher on their hands. Chris Jones, George Karlaftis, Mike Danna, Charles Omenihu, and Felix Anudike-Uzomah are all clearly ahead, though there could be room for growth given Omenihu's injury and expiring contract.

When you're signing undrafted free agents, reliability is a good trait but untapped potential is the name of the game. Okie-Anoma fits that bill.

4. Emani Bailey - RB, TCU

Emani Bailey was one of the first undrafted players the Chiefs signed, giving him $210,000 in guaranteed money to earn his services. He's only 5'7", but brings a punch at 202 LBs and demonstrated workhorse ability at TCU in 2023.

The dual-threat back had 1,393 yards from scrimmage and nine TDs this year. With Jerick McKinnon still unsigned, Kansas City could view Bailey as a long-term replacement while backing up Isiah Pacheco and Clyde Edwards-Helaire in the short term.

Bailey has great patience, strong burst and a nifty ability to change direction. It's easy to imagine Bailey finding success in this offense, and he could theoretically step in if necessary due to injury.

He'll battle fellow undrafted RB Carson Steele out of UCLA, though the guaranteed money and Bailey's complete game should give him an advantage in that competition.

There always seems to be at least one undrafted back that winds up being a productive running back. Could Bailey be next in line?

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