Chiefs Spurn Veteran to Keep Undrafted Rookie on Final Roster

The Chiefs made an unexpected roster decision prior to Tuesday's deadline, cutting veteran OT Lucas Niang to keep standout undrafted rookie Ethan Driskell out of Marshall.

At six-foot-eight and over 300 pounds with exceptional athleticism, Driskell was one of Kansas City's most exciting undrafted signings early this summer. He was expected to compete for a practice squad role, though showed the coaching staff enough to earn a promotion over Niang, who worked throughout training camp across the offensive line.

Niang's release is a surprise. The 2020 third-round selection has several years of experience in the system and seemed a logical candidate to become a primary backup going into 2024.

Chiefs Pick Undrafted Rookie Ethan Driskell Over Veteran Lucas Niang

During his senior year at Marshall, Driskell surrendered just 14 QB hurries and three sacks at left tackle while playing 909 snaps. The prior season, he allowed 13 hurries and four sacks in 884 snaps.

Players possessing Driskell's athleticism and size are rare. Offensive line coach Andy Heck has a storied history of getting the best of his players. If there's a better situation for Driskell to become a valuable contributor, I'd love to see it.

It's easy to imagine Driskell becoming a screen-game savant in this offense, using his huge frame to pummel defenders downfield while opening lanes for Isiah Pacheco or whichever lucky running back scampers behind him.

Kansas City made numerous cuts on Tuesday and Driskell was among the biggest winners of the day. The Chiefs realized he'd be difficult to sneak onto the practice squad and made a difficult decision, one that speaks to the organization's vision as much as it does Driskell's promise.

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