There isn't much that the Kansas City Chiefs need to supplement their roster. If there was, they already addressed it during the 2024 NFL Draft. Their incoming class is very strong and headlined by Texas wide receiver Xavier Worthy and BYU tackle Kingsley Suamataia. But the work isn't done for the two-time defending Super Bowl champions. They hit the undrafted free agent market hard to further bolster their depth. One player in particular, Carson Steele, has a great case to make their 53-man roster and help the team going forward.
Carson Steele, Fullback, UCLA
Carson Steele has his work cut out for him to make the Chiefs' roster, but he has a chance to make it for a number of reasons. For one, he was very productive during his college career. He began at Ball State and played great for the Cardinals in his two seasons there. His best work came in the 2022 season where he ran for 1,556 yards and 14 touchdowns while averaging 5.4 yards per carry.
Steele is also a very capable receiver out of the backfield. Two years ago, he hauled in 29 receptions for 166 yards and added another score. For his career, the former Cardinal and Bruin totalled 58 receptions for 486 yards and four touchdowns through the air. That shows that he can play on all three downs if needed.
Steele was not the workhorse at UCLA the same way he was at Ball State after transferring there in 2023. However, his numbers were still very solid against the better competition, however. He put up 847 yards on 167 carries with an additional 17 receptions for 163 yards through the air. Steele scored eight total touchdowns for the Bruins last year.
His skill set is a versatile one. He was primarily a running back in college but has also been listed and regarded as a fullback by analysts and media members. Fullback is not exactly the most glamorous position to play in the NFL, but they can still positively impact their team. Andy Reid has been known to deploy fullbacks throughout his coaching career, which can only help Steele's chances of making Kansas City's 53-man roster.
Athletic testing
What could really help Steele as he pushes to make the Chiefs' roster is his athletic measurables. His combine and pro day results paint a nice picture for what teams are looking for out of the fullback position. He was also part of the ‘Freak List‘ put together by Bruce Feldman of The Athletic at the start of every college football season.
It's easy to see why. Steele can hit 21 miles per hour and register a vertical jump of 35 inches. He's also able to bench press 450 pounds and squat 685 pounds. That strength shows up on film too. Steele is an absolute menace to try to tackle.
The Chiefs' RB situation
The Chiefs have an undisputed number-one running back in Isiah Pacheco. He has been outstanding for them since arriving to the league as a seventh-round pick. Their depth behind him is a bit shotty, however. Clyde Edwards-Helaire has proven he is merely a fine backup. The Chiefs did sign former rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit as a running back and wide receiver hybrid, but he has never played the sport before.
Kansas City also doesn't have a fullback on their roster at the moment. Steele's path to the 53 is clear. If he can outperform other running backs who either also were undrafted or have bounced around the league, he can earn a roster spot. Steele can also get there if he shines as a fullback. He has multiple outs that could help him live out his dream.
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