Chiefs UDFA Has Strong Shot to Make Team at Thin Position

The Kansas City Chiefs signed several undrafted free agents following the 2026 NFL Draft.

They are longshots to make the 53-man roster come September, but it’s not impossible that one or more make the cut. In 2025, UDFA linebacker Cooper McDonald made the Chiefs’ roster after an impressive training camp and preseason.

Although he didn’t make the initial roster at the beginning of the season, UDFA cornerback Kevin Knowles eventually found his way onto the squad in October. The Chiefs are set to hold rookie minicamp this weekend, which will give UDFAs the opportunity to showcase their skills.

UDFA S Xavier Nwankpa Predicted to Have Strong Shot to Make Kansas City Chiefs’ Roster

While naming one UDFA for each team that has a legitimate shot to make a 53-man roster, Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report identified safety Xavier Nwankpa for the Chiefs.

“The Kansas City Chiefs made an aggressive move to snag LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane near the top of Round 1. Their move to sign Iowa safety Xavier Nwankpa wasn’t nearly as bold, but it could pay massive dividends. Nwankpa is a former 5-star recruit who spent four years at Iowa honing his craft. He tallied 171 tackles, three tackles for loss, four interceptions, and one defensive touchdown while showcasing a high motor. However, he wasn’t simply a productive effort-based player either. With a 6’2 ½”, 208-pound frame and 4.48 speed, Nwankpa has the physical assets needed to thrive at the NFL level. Nwankpa’s size and skill set make him an intriguing fit in Steve Spagnuolo’s defense. A strong summer should earn him a role in a secondary that lost Bryan Cook, Jaylen Watson, and Trent McDuffie earlier this offseason.”

Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo and his staff excel at developing defensive backs, leading them to take flyers on plus athletes such as Nwankpa. With a whopping 52 games under his belt during his four-year collegiate at Iowa, Nwankpa recorded 171 total tackles, four passes defensed, three interceptions, two forced fumbles, and one sack.

Nwankpa was also a force for the Hawkeyes’ special teams unit. If he is going to make the Chiefs’ roster, that will be his main ticket, as it will be for all UDFAs and late-round draft picks. Even if Nwankpa can’t quite crack the main roster, he could be a good candidate for the practice squad to continue his development.

Examining the State of Chiefs’ S Corps

GettyS Alohi Gilman

Kansas City lost Bryan Cook during free agency, but replaced him with six-year veteran Alohi Gilman. After a solid run with the Los Angeles Chargers, Gilman was traded early last season to the Baltimore Ravens, who he started 12 games for. Gilman is expected to lead the Chiefs’ young safety corps similarly to how Cook, Justin Reid, and Tyrann Mathieu did.

Chamarri Conner and Jaden Hicks appear poised to battle it out to start opposite Gilman. Hicks flashed during his rookie year in 2024, but regressed a bit in 2025. Conner has primarily played nickel cornerback during his three-year tenure in Kansas City, but with Kader Kohou and Jadon Canady now on the roster, Conner should be utilized at his natural position of safety.

Also in the mix are Chris Roland-Wallace and Tanner McCalister. Roland-Wallace is technically listed as a cornerback, but the Chiefs have mostly used him at safety. McCalister has bounced around with a few teams since entering the league as a UDFA in 2023. With as much uncertainty as Kansas City has behind Gilman, Nwankpa has a chance to make some noise.

Nick Roesch Nick Roesch covers the NFL for Heavy Sports, with a focus on the Kansas City Chiefs, Green Bay Packers, and Los Angeles Chargers. He previously covered the Chiefs for USA TODAY Sports’ Chiefs Wire, and all 32 NFL teams for A to Z Sports. Roesch’s career in sports media spans 10 years. More about Nick Roesch