The Kansas City Chiefs‘ offensive line struggled to protect Patrick Mahomes for much of the 2024 season. And that was particularly evident in their final game against Philadelphia. Heading into this year’s draft, it was a significant task for Andy Reid and the Chiefs’ front office to address those shortcomings. They began by selecting Ohio State’s OT Josh Simmons on the first day of the draft. Out of their seven picks, the Chiefs drafted three offensive players, but their offensive shopping spree didn’t end there.

After the draft and the announcement of Mr. Irrelevant, the Chiefs immediately began working. They moved quickly to complete their 90-man roster by signing several undrafted free agents. Focusing on their offensive needs, the Chiefs made a splash by adding 13 undrafted players. Among them, one deal is already finalized. According to Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 Houston, Kansas City signed Oklahoma State offensive lineman Dalton Cooper to a contract that includes $259,000 in guaranteed money.

Dalton’s deal also includes a $25,000 signing bonus, per a league source. Standing 6’7″ and weighing 315 pounds, Cooper started his collegiate career at Texas State. He started in all 12 games as a left tackle during his time at Texas State. Dalton allowed only three sacks on 429 pass plays in 2022, earning him multiple awards. The 24-year-old then transferred to the Oklahoma State Cowboys. With them, Dalton has been the starting left tackle. Last season, Cooper suffered a knee injury, following which he could only start in eight games. But despite that, Oklahoma State’s OT’s performance remained strong. 

Cooper has gotten mixed reviews during his scouting reports. Some analysts praised the 24-year-old for his flexibility and hip movement, while others cast doubt on his anchor strength and overall play strength. Dalton’s overall athletic score is 9.01, which is good.

Well, if Brett Veach had drafted him, he must have done his homework on him. Where and how Matt Nagy will put Cooper to use remains to be seen once the season kicks off. Other than Dalton, Andy Reid and the team also signed additional talent for both sides of the ball.

Andy Reid’s post-draft moves

After adding some talent in the drafts, the Chiefs went straight to undrafted free agents. On the offensive line, in the draft, Kansas City added OT Josh Simmons, Utah State WR Jalen Royals, and SMU RB Brashard Smith as their last pick. Then, Andy Reid and Co. signed five more players on the offensive side.

These five players are:

1. Florida WR Elijah Badger,
2. Clemson TE Jake Briningstool,
3. Fresno State WR/returner Mac Dalena,
4. Louisiana Tech WR Jimmy Holiday,
5. And, Washington State OT Esa Pole.

On the defensive side, Reid and the KC brass signed seven players.

1. USC CB Jacobe Covington,
2. Pittsburgh LB Brandon George,
3. UNC DT Kevin Hester Jr.,
4. Howard CB Robert Jones III,
5. Maryland DB Glendon Miller,
6. Villanova DL Chuck Smith IV,
7. And Southern Arkansas DB Melvin Smith Jr.

On special teams, the team signed USC punter Eddie Czaplicki.

That wraps up the Chiefs’ undrafted free agent signings. Undoubtedly, they added a good amount of variety to the roster, and it’ll be interesting to see how these moves play out. Whether these offensive additions can help Mahomes and play a big role in the team’s comeback after the three-peat loss remains to be seen.