KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Chiefs officially confirmed the signing of five undrafted free agents who attended the team’s rookie minicamp over the weekend on a tryout basis while also waiving running back Akeem Hunt and claiming tight end Alex Ellis on waivers.
Former Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Jordan Smallwood takes part in drills during rookie minicamp for the Kansas City Chiefs at the team’s training complex on May 7, 2018. (Photo by Matt Derrick, ChiefsDigest.com)
The team parted ways with six players, including Hunt. The club waived Hunt with a failed physical designation. He finished last season on injured reserve after suffering a broken ankle in the Week 17 victory over Denver. The club also waived defensive tackle Stefan Charles.
Defensive backs Step Durham and Malik Reaves, linebacker Robert McCray, center Tejan Koroma and wide receiver Jordan all inked contracts with the team.
The club released four players to make room for the new additions: cornerback Prince Charles Iworah, offensive tackle Devondre Seymour and wide receivers Brandon Shippen and Nelson Spruce.
The team also claimed Ellis off waivers from the New Orleans Saints.
The team did not yet announce a transaction regarding defensive lineman Rakeem Nunez-Roches. The 2015 sixth-round pick of the Chiefs posted a video earlier Tuesday on his Twitter account thanking the Chiefs for the opportunity and saying it was “time to move on.”
What to know about the newest Chiefs:
- CB Step Durham, 5-9, 192, Georgia Tech
Durham led Georgia Tech with five passes broken up and contributed to three turnovers last season. He played in 38 games with 23 starts for the Yellow Jackets while recording 76 tackles, 12 passes broken up and an interception. - C Tejan Koroma, 6-0, 298, BYU
Koroma won the starting center job for the Cougars as a true freshman and started 51 of 52 games at center in his college career. He’s a bit under height for the position, but NFLDraftScout.com analyst Dane Brugler describes him as “a tough-minded grinder who fights through the whistle.” The Chiefs need a reliable backup center with Zach Fulton gone. - LB Robert McCray, 6-1, 266, Indiana
McCray earned honorable mention all-Big 10 honors last season picking up 20 tackles include 7 1/2 for a loss with six sacks and a forced fumble. He played defensive end at Indiana but would line up as an outside linebacker with the Chiefs. - CB Malik Reaves, 5-11, 200, Villanova
Reaves carries a reputation for toughness, which fits perfectly with Kansas City’s current defensive mindset. Some scouts believe his best long-term position might be at safety. He played multiple positions at Villanova, including corner and hybrid nickel. - WR Jordan Smallwood, 6-2, 219, Oklahoma
Smallwood comes to Kansas City long on potential and short on production. He played 47 games for the Sooners with two starts and caught 18 passes for 170 yards and one touchdown in his career. Smallwood posted a 4.53 40-yard time at this pro day along with other strong measurable, and might be a candidate for special teams. - TE Alex Ellis, 6-4, 253 pounds, Tennessee
Ellis entered the league as an undrafted free agent with the Tennessee Titans and also served stints with Jacksonville and New Orleans. He played in six games for the Jaguars in 2016 with three catches for 11 yards. Ellis could fill the inline blocking role the Chiefs need at tight end.
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Matt Derrick is the lead beat writer for ChiefsDigest.com. Use the contact page to reach him or find him on Twitter: @MattDerrick.
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