Getty Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid has a fresh crop of UDFAs to get his hands on.
Just like that, the long-awaited NFL draft weekend has ended, but the rookie class isn’t complete. The Kansas City Chiefs selected a total of 10 players this April and now general manager Brett Veach will add to that group in free agency.
Before we get into the UDFAs, a final look at the Chiefs 2022 draft class in its entirety:
- Trent McDuffie, cornerback.
- George Karlaftis, defensive end.
- Skyy Moore, wide receiver.
- Bryan Cook, safety.
- Leo Chenal, linebacker.
- Joshua Williams, cornerback.
- Darian Kinnard, offensive lineman.
- Jaylen Watson, cornerback.
- Isiah Pacheco, running back.
- Nazeeh Johnson, safety.
That’s a total of five defensive backs and seven defensive players in general as the Chiefs made a strong effort to rebuild that side of the football.
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Chiefs Undrafted Free-Agent Signings
Jack Cochrane, linebacker, South Dakota
Former South Dakota LB Jack Cochrane is signing with the #Chiefs, per source.
NFL insider Tom Pelissero announced the linebacker’s arrival just after the NFL draft. Cochrane was a fifth-year senior and four-year starter with over 300 total tackles during his collegiate career. He also added some diversity to his game with five sacks and six interceptions.
NFL draft analyst Lance Zierlein scouted Cochrane as a WILL linebacker, touting his “explosive lateral quickness and a nose for the football.” The three-time team captain “has enough man- and zone-cover talent to offer three-down backup potential” as a UDFA.
Tayon Fleet-Davis, running back, Maryland
Tayon Fleet-Davis (Maryland) signing with the Chiefs, per a league source
Fleet-Davis didn’t see heavy usage until 2021, so he has fresh legs despite a five-year career at Maryland. He’s a dual-threat back that had over 1,000 scrimmage yards last year (721 rushing yards).
The 6-foot runner is an interesting flyer for the Chiefs due to the lack of wear and tear. Pro Football Network reporter Aaron Wilson announced his signing.
Mike Rose, linebacker, Iowa State
Another linebacker for Steve Spagnuolo to get his hands on. Rose will join Chenal and Cochrane for this rookie class and provide depth behind Willie Gay and Nick Bolton.
A four-year contributor for Iowa State, the SAM linebacker accumulated over 320 total tackles with 41 for a loss (49 games). He also chipped in with 8.5 sacks and six interceptions. Zierlein called him a “physical blitzer” but a “liability in coverage.” He concluded: “Rose has a chance to become a backup 4-3 Sam or 3-4 inside linebacker but his lack of pursuit speed could hinder his upward mobility.”
Dustin Crum, quarterback, Kent State
The #Chiefs are signing Kent State QB Dustin Crum, per source. Crum threw for 3,187 yards and 20 TDs in 2021.
Training camp competition for Patrick Mahomes 👀
Another quarterback is joining the roster — at least for training camp. The Kent State product threw for 3,187 passing yards and 20 touchdowns in 2021, as reported by Justin M of The Draft Network when he signed.
A three-year starter in college, Crum doesn’t take a ton of chances according to Zierlein, but may not have the skill set to be more aggressive. He concluded: “He’s courageous both inside and outside the pocket and helps himself as a runner, but may not have enough talent as a passer to play in the league.”
Gene Pryor, offensive line, Hawaii
Chiefs agreed to terms with undrafted rookie free agent OL Gene Pryor out of Hawaii, per source.
Pryor’s signing was reported by Herbie Teope. He’s 6-foot-3, 310 pounds, and NFL Draft Buzz scouted that he “could develop into a solid backup and eventual starter in the NFL.”
They touted his NFL awareness but noted that he must eventually improve anchor strength and foot speed.
Jerrion Ealy, running back, Ole Miss
The #Chiefs are signing Ole Miss RB Jerrion Ealy as a UDFA, per source.
Doug Kyed first reported the Ealy signing. He had between 720 and 770 rushing yards in each of his three seasons at Ole Miss and caught 32 passes in 2021 for another 218 yards.
He also had seven or more total touchdowns in each of his three campaigns. Zierlein scouted him as a “smaller but talented running back with legitimate versatility to wear a variety of hats for a team.” His ability as a pass-catcher and kick returner could earn him a roster spot if all goes well this summer.
Mike Caliendo, interior offensive line, Western Michigan
Congratulations to Mike Caliendo on signing with the Kansas City Chiefs!!
The center out of Western Michigan signed on May 1, according to his college’s Twitter account. He’s 6-foot-4, 293 pounds, and appears to have played some guard in his younger days.
Caliendo earned a 6.84 Relative Athletic Score out of 10, which ranked 162nd out of 510 centers since 1987.
Justyn Ross, wide receiver, Clemson
Clemson WR Justyn Ross is signing with the #Chiefs to their 90-man roster, per source.
Ross led the ACC in receiving as a freshman in 2018, ranked fifth nationally with 21.7 YPC and was second in receiving touchdowns. He also stands 6-3, 210 pounds. High quality addition for
The Chiefs hit a home run with their most recent UDFA signing on May 2. NFL insider Jordan Schultz was the first to report the Ross pickup.
“Ross led the ACC in receiving as a freshman in 2018,” noted Schultz, “ranked fifth nationally with 21.7 YPC and was second in receiving touchdowns. He also stands 6-3, 210 pounds.” A rare neck and spine condition derailed the Clemson star in college and hurt his draft status. He’ll look to continue his football comeback with the Chiefs.
Nasir Greer, safety/DB, Wake Forest
Congrats to another former SHS Tiger Nasir Greer on signing with the Kasas City Chiefs. Nasir was a standout safety on our team and played college football at Wake Forrest. We are extrmely proud of him! @_kingnas3 @Coach_JLJ @coachbyrd6 @eduWatsonEric @SHS_HCS @kwhit4
Kansas City hosted Greer on a top-30 visit back in early April. Now, the 6-foot-tall safety signs with the franchise after going undrafted.
At Wake Forest, Greer forced eight takeaways over 28 games, via interception or fumble. He also accumulated 131 total tackles (two for a loss) and seven passes defended.
The defensive back’s college career was derailed by an ACL injury in 2020. NFL Draft Buzz scouted him as a “strong, aggressive tackler” that “should excel as a zone defender because of his closing speed to wrap receivers after the catch.”
Kehinde Oginni Hassan, tight end, International Prospect – Nigeria
Oginni is a very interesting story out of Nigeria. The American Football International website detailed: “Kehinde Oginni Hassan is one of three Nigerians to make it to the final stage of the NFL’s International Player Pathway program (IPP).”
Mentored by former New York Giants pass rusher Osi Umenyiora, the 6-foot-7 tight end made the final IPP Combine cut and wowed NFL scouts in the process. Oginni Hassan’s signing was announced by the Chiefs on May 6.
UNSIGNED
Trevor Begue, wide receiver, UIW
Begue started his career with McNeese and transferred to UIW. He finished the 2021 season with 46 receptions and 620 yards, plus three touchdowns.
The wide receiver had a career season with McNeese in 2019, with 55 catches for 827 yards and 10 touchdowns. Begue confirmed his KC connection on Twitter but has yet to officially sign.
Qua Brown, safety, Southern Illinois
Brown himself first tweeted out “OPPORTUNITY… LET’S WORK!” Later, Saluki Football (Southern Illinois) reported that the safety would be signing with the Chiefs but he has yet to do so.
The defensive back is 5-foot-11 and told NFL Draft Diamonds that his best quality is his work ethic, passion and drive to win. The confirmation tweet noted that he finished his career at SIU “ranked No. 16 in tackles (283) and No. 2 in forced fumbles (6).”
More NFL dreams came true tonight. Congrats @quabrown_ on signing a free agent contract with the #Chiefs. Finished his career at SIU ranked No. 16 in tackles (283) and No. 2 in forced fumbles (6).
Christian Clark, defensive tackle, Alabama State
I’m told by Alabama State DT Christian Clark @clarkiethedon, he will be headed to the Kansas City @Chiefs Rookie Camp in hopes of joining his brother Super Bowl Champ & 3x Pro Bowler @TheRealFrankC_ #ChiefsKingdom
Some family ties here for Christian Clark, younger brother of Chiefs defensive end Frank Clark. Football writer Maliik Obee reported the news — confirmed by Chiefs Wire.
Charles Goldman scouted: “Listed at 6-1 and 322 pounds, Christian is a run-stopping defensive tackle who was tough for SWAC offensive linemen to move. He was also tough for them to block in the passing game.”
Clark has yet to officially sign a contract with the franchise.
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Chiefs Tryouts & Camp Invites
Devin Darrington, running back, Virginia
First sourced as Devin Carrington by NFL reporter Matt Lombardo, the running back invite is actually for Devin Darrington. The 5-foot-9 rusher began at Harvard and transferred to Virginia as Veach continues to bring fresh legs into camp at running back.
Kendrick Price, wide receiver, Northwestern State
.@NSUDemonsFB Kendrick Price @KendrickPrice24 invited to Kansas City Chiefs’ rookie minicamp, per a league source per @AaronWilson_NFL
A wide receiver invite also went out to Price, of Northwestern State University. NSU Demon Fans confirmed the report by Wilson.
The 6-foot-2 pass-catcher weighs 205 pounds. He told NFL Draft Diamonds that he is a “cerebral player with a great knowledge of the game.” Price compared his skill set to that of Cooper Kupp.
Ross Reiter, long snapper, Colorado State
Colorado State long snapper Ross Reiter invited to Kansas City Chiefs’ rookie minicamp, per a league source.
Hey, long snappers count too! The Chiefs are inviting one to camp this year — per Wilson — Ross Reiter out of Colorado State.
Malik Clark, left guard, Kansas
Kansas left guard Malik Clark will try out for the Kansas City Chiefs at their rookie minicamp.
He joins teammates Kyron Johnson (drafted, Eagles), Kwamie Lassiter II (signed, Bengals) and Jeremy Webb (tryout, Jets) in starting their pro careers. #kufball
The latest tryout comes in from Kansas sports reporter Zac Boyer and is a camp invite for left guard Malik Clark. The 6-foot-4, 323-pound lineman started 40 out of 43 games for the Jayhawks and finished as a fifth-year senior.
Boo Smith, wide receiver, Missouri
Boo Smith received a tryout invitation with the Kansas City Chiefs, he tells me. The speedy wide receiver was a big play threat for Mizzou last season and began his career as a walk-on.
Another undrafted wide receiver will enter the scene for rookie minicamp according to Missouri sports reporter Max Baker. Described as a “speedy wide receiver,” Smith will attempt to walk on a roster for the second time in his career.
The wideout only had eight catches in 2021 but does offer some ability as a punt returner and deep-ball threat.