The folks over at Football Outsiders took the time to break down each team in the AFC West after the 2012 NFL Draft, assessing their needs and what notable undrafted free agent signings each club has made since the end of April. Unfortunately for Chiefs fans, Kansas City's undrafted free agent class is underwhelming, especially in comparison to the rest of the AFC West.
Here's what Tom Gower had to say about KC's undrafted free agents:
Few, if any, Chiefs made it to the various lists of top undrafted free agents. Kansas tight end Tim Biere has strong local support, and the Chiefs' interest in Dallas Clark suggests there might be room on the roster for another tight end. Defensive backs Neiko Thorpe from Auburn and Tysyn Hartman from Kansas State may have the opportunity to make the roster if they excel on special teams.
Nothing special there, and it's possible that Kansas City is missing out on some pretty nice young talent -- and they might be losing out on it in comparison to the rest of the AFC West. Here's what Gower had to say about the other teams' undrafted free agent class in KC's division.
On Denver:
Cornerback Coryell Judie out of Texas A&M was an intriguing prospect who had a strong 2010 before a hamstring injury cost him much of 2011. If he can regain his 2010 form, he could make the team. Safety Duke Ihenacho from San Jose State excels in coverage, and could vie to replace Adams in a couple years. The Broncos also signed Arizona State wideout Gerell Robinson, giving second-round quarterback Brock Osweiler a collegiate teammate to throw to in rookie minicamp.
On Oakland:
Offensive guard Lucas Nix from Pittsburgh could be a valuable reserve. The Raiders have bodies at safety, but none good enough that Aaron Henry from Wisconsin couldn't make the roster. While he wasn't eligible for the 2012 NFL draft, former Cal State-Fullerton basketball player Andre Hardy has a chance to stick at tight end given the lack of depth and experience at the position.
On San Diego:
The Chargers are only carrying three quarterbacks right now, so there's an obvious job opportunity for LSU signal-caller Jarrett Lee. Justin Blackmon's collegiate teammate Hubert Anyiam, UNLV's Phillip Payne, and Arizona State's Mike Willie could make things complicated at the bottom of the wide receiver depth chart. Montana offensive tackle Charles Burton has a chance to stick with Brandyn Dombrowski's move inside to guard.
Hopefully, Scott Pioli and the rest of Kansas City's executives don't regret missing out on any of these undrafted free agents, but it's certainly discouraging to see KC fall behind in the undrafted free agent area.