Getty
Jeff Caldwell could be a logical Jalen Nailor replacement for the Vikings.
The Kansas City Chiefs made seven selections in the 2026 NFL Draft, and have already signed several undrafted free agents.
The headline names are cornerback Mansoor Delane and defensive tackle Peter Woods, each of whom were selected in the first round.
The Chiefs’ following two picks were also defensive players, taking edge rusher R Mason Thomas in the second round, and cornerback Jadon Canady in the fourth. They rounded out their draft class with running back Emmett Johnson (fifth round), wide receiver Cyrus Allen (fifth round), and quarterback Garrett Nussmeier (seventh round).
Kansas City Chiefs Sign Historically Athletic UDFA WR Jeff Caldwell
Following the conclusion of the draft, the Chiefs quickly signed Caldwell, who many believed would get drafted based off his athleticism alone. Caldwell recorded a rare perfect 10/10 RAS (Relative Athletic Score). His overall numbers ranked second out of 3,926 receivers dating all the way back to 1987. The only one ahead of him? Hall of Famer Calvin Johnson.
Caldwell is a physically imposing receiver at 6-foot-5 and 216 pounds, also possessing blazing 4.3 40-yard dash speed. He posted a 1.48s 10-yard split during the NFL Scouting Combine, which bested Chiefs receiver Xavier Worthy’s 1.49s. Caldwell also recorded a 42-inch vertical at the combine, and his 11-foot-2 broad jump led all other receivers.
Caldwell played three seasons as Lindenwood of the Ohio Valley Conference. He was dominant in 2024, catching 52 passes for 1,011 yards and 10 touchdowns. In 2025 he decided to transfer to Cincinnati (joining Chiefs’ fifth-rounder Allen) to play against higher tier competition. He finished the season with 32 receptions for 478 yards and six touchdowns.
As exciting as his athletic traits are, Caldwell needs time to develop. He is an unpolished route runner, and has struggled with dropping passes. Fortunately, he will get to learn from Chad O’Shea, who the Chiefs hired as their new wide receivers coach earlier in the offseason. O’Shea has an impressive and proven track record of getting the most out his receivers.
Did Chiefs Satisfy All Their Roster Needs During the Draft?
GettyKansas City Chiefs GM Brett Veach
Defense was Kansas City’s clear-cut priority. The cornerback position appears set after adding Delane and Canady during the draft, in addition to signing free agents Kader Kohou and Kaiir Elam. The Chiefs got their edge rusher in Thomas, but may still bring in an affordable veteran for comfortable depth.
The need for an offensive tackle was hotly debated during the pre-draft process, as many experts predicted they would take one as high as in the top 10. However, that was clearly a smokescreen to throw other teams off, as the Chiefs didn’t select a single offensive lineman. It seems likely that veteran Jaylon Moore and second-year man Esa Pole will battle it out for the starting right tackle spot.
Another starting job up for grabs is strong side linebacker, which was vacated by Leo Chenal. Second-year players Cooper McDonald and Jeffrey Bassa appear poised to compete for the role. The Chiefs still don’t have an heir apparent for Travis Kelce at tight end, but that can be addressed when Kelce officially decides to hang up his cleats.
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
