Kansas City Chiefs Have High Hopes for 2010 Undrafted Free Agent Class

The countdown to 53 begins. 

An all-state athlete in high school, respected by your peers at the college level, and struggling to earn a single snap in an NFL game. Such is the timeline of an NFL undrafted free agent. 

As tumultuous of an emotional journey as they face, undrafted free agents play a monumental role in the NFL. Last year, over 50 percent of Kansas City’s roster was comprised of undrafted free agents.   

As important as undrafted free agents are, it’s difficult for fans to develop an emotional attachment to players who may soon be kicked to the curb.

When organized team activities (OTAs) start on May 17, NFL teams are allowed 80 players under contract.  Of that 80, 27 will not make the team’s 53-man roster.

For those who wish to be critical of Kansas City’s draft, it’s important to turn an eye to the class of undrafted free agents.

For those who feel that the offensive line and linebacker corps were neglected, the rookie free agents for Kansas City include two linebackers and four offensive linemen. 

A veritable parade of talented linebackers continue to bounce off the conveyor belt of the Pittsburgh Steeler player factory.  Most of these players fly under the radar until they explode onto an NFL field and one can’t help but believe these players are developed in-house.

The penultimate optimist will believe that such potential exists for these KC linemen.  However, the likelihood of such a cohesive emergence to prominence along the O-line would be greatly helped if Will Shields comes back as O-line coach.

Regardless, fans have more than the 2010 draft class to watch as teams begin to take the field again.  

For a complete list of undrafted free agents signed by NFL teams visit here.