Over the last three to four seasons, the Kansas City Chiefs have done a great job of adding players through the draft. While they are only in the early stages of training camp, it is already looking like their 2025 draft class will have impact players in Josh Simmons, Omar Norman-Lott, and Jalen Royals.
While hitting on draft picks is paramount for any front office, finding undrafted hidden gems is important. Hitting on undrafted players helps a team like Kansas City fill out its roster with cheaper contracts.
That said, it seems like the Chiefs have struck gold with a 2025 undrafted free agent. Following Wednesday's practice, defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo spoke about undrafted rookie linebacker Cooper McDonald. Spagnuolo said, "I think Coop was a really good find. We found him in the rookie minicamp. I thought he did a really good job in the linebacker 1-on-1s yesterday," according to Charles Goldman of A to Z Sports.
Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo on LB Cooper McDonald: "I think Coop was a really good find. We found him in the rookie minicamp. I thought he did a really good job in the linebacker 1-on-1s yesterday."
— Charles Goldman (@goldmctNFL) July 30, 2025
Chiefs Undrafted Rookie LB Cooper McDonald Impressing Early in Camp
Chiefs Kingdom should take note of Spagnoulo calling out McDonald and watch for him in the preseason. The 23-year-old played for three different teams in five college seasons. He finished his collegiate career at TCU in 2024. With the Horned Frogs, McDonald recorded 25 tackles, four tackles for loss, and three sacks. Moreover, he had a pass coverage grade of 86.1.
Though his production took a hit when his level of competition increased, McDonald was a solid player before transferring to TCU. In two seasons at San Diego State, he recorded 84 tackles, nine tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks. Furthermore, during his final season at San Diego State, McDonald recorded a run defense grade of 68.5, a pass rush grade of 68.5, and a coverage grade of 67.3, according to PFF.
Clearly, he has some talent that Spagnoulo and the Chiefs see. Even so, he has a long way to go to make the roster at linebacker. Currently, Cam Jones, Jeffery Bassa, Cole Christiansen, and Jack Cochrane are ahead of him on the depth chart. Beating out these players for a roster spot will be difficult, given that all of them, besides Christiansen, are still young.
Nevertheless, when a defensive mind like Spagnoulo singles you out this early in camp, your chances of making the roster aren't zero. Thus, it will be interesting to monitor McDonald's progress throughout training camp and the preseason.