Undrafted Free Agents With the Best Chance to Make Chiefs' 2023 Roster

Every year, undrafted players make their way onto rosters and become contributors. The Chiefs have a few names that may be just that for them this season.

Every year, teams scramble to sign undrafted prospects shortly after the NFL Draft ends to join their 90-man roster. This past weekend, the Kansas City Chiefs' rookie minicamp wrapped up with the participation of over two dozen undrafted players. Only half will make the 90-man roster for training camp, though, and maybe just a few for the opening week's 53-man roster. 

The Chiefs have done a solid job in the past of bringing in undrafted free agents (UDFAs) to compete and be a part of their team. Byron Pringle, Tershawn Wharton and Shane Buechele are just a couple of examples of successful UDFAs. Below are five guys in this year's crop that realistically have the chance to crack the Week 1 roster.

Running Back Deneric Prince (Tulsa)

At this point of the offseason (it's early), Deneric Prince feels like a good bet to make the roster. General manager Brett Veach said, "Prince is going to come in here and compete for playing time" in his post-draft press conference. This signals the belief that the Chiefs have in Prince. As things currently stand, the team's running back depth chart consists of Isiah Pacheco, Jerick McKinnon, Clyde Edwards-Helaire and then Prince. 

With questions about Edwards-Helaire's future in Kansas City and the Tulsa product's athletic upside, it is feasible to say that he could earn that third running back spot come Week 1. The rookie possesses the prototypical speed and size to excel at the NFL level. In addition, his downhill running style and willingness to pass protect make him a seamless fit with the Chiefs.

My favorite Chiefs UDFA signing Deneric Prince (No. 8)

5'11", 216 lbs, 4.41 40. I think he's making this roster pretty comfortably. Great size, fast, and plays well through contact. He's a willing pass blocker. Wasn't asked to do much in as a pass catcher, but showed capability. pic.twitter.com/D06K825jeL

— Zack Eisen (@zackeisen21) May 3, 2023

Defensive End Truman Jones (Harvard)

Kansas City drafted a defensive end in rounds one and five on top of one specific member of the team flirting with the possibility of Frank Clark returning at some point this offseason. However, that did not stop the Chiefs from adding more talent to the defensive line, as a team can never truly have enough pass rushers.

If the draft had played out differently, Truman Jones might have been one of the Chiefs' selections. Instead, they gave him a lucrative UDFA deal, showing their likeness toward the Harvard alum. Watching Jones, he projects as a Mike Danna-type player who could soon replace him in that role, as Danna has one year left on his deal. Jones's ability to stop the run on the edge and then be versatile to rush the passer from inside or outside could be valuable long-term if he continues to develop in Kansas City.

Wide Reciever Nikko Remigio (Fresno State)

Calling Nikko Remigio a "wide receiver" as his official role may be a stretch, especially for his contributions this season if he were to make the team. His chance to make the roster relies on his return ability. In his college career, he returned one kickoff for a touchdown and also two punts, both in his final college season. During the 2022 season at Fresno State, he posted a 19.9 yards per return average on punts. 

With the struggles the Chiefs had in the return game last year, having someone with playmaking ability that they can trust may be of great value to them. It would take the load off Kadarius Toney and Skyy Moore, with them having more prominent roles on offense. If Remigio were to stick around as a return specialist, his offensive usage would likely be limited to the slot but at least it would give the Chiefs another option if needed.

WHAT A RETURN TD, NIKKO REMIGIO 🤯🤯 @FresnoStateFB pic.twitter.com/LLVn7lfVjz

— CBS Sports Network (@CBSSportsNet) October 1, 2022

Linebackers Isaiah Moore (North Carolina State) and Cam Jones (Indiana)

The final two players on this list are most likely competing for the same spot. The Chiefs have invested top 100 picks on Nick Bolton, Willie Gay and Leo Chenal, then added Drue Tranquill in free agency this offseason. Those four are 99% locked onto the Week 1 roster. Last year, however, the Chiefs carried five linebackers on the active roster throughout the season. Jack Cochrane, a UDFA in his own right, was that guy throughout the season but Isaiah Moore and Cam Jones have the chance to usurp him for that spot. 

Where Cochrane excels is on special teams, and Moore and Jones can perform in that phase of the game. Moore is more of a traditional downhill linebacker who excels at stopping the run, but isn't the cleanest in coverage. On the other hand, Jones is stronger in coverage and is a good blitzer but his smaller frame causes him to struggle between the tackles at times. Moore and Jones may have been the best value pick-ups in the UDFA period for the Chiefs. Either could make the roster this year, but expect both to be on the practice squad at the very least and back competing again for a roster spot next year.