Kansas City Chiefs insider names UDFA WR Jeff Caldwell as under-the-radar rookie sleeper to watch during training camp
Kansas City Chiefs rookie WR Jeff Caldwell had the most hype among undrafted free agents when he was signed. ESPN’s Nate Taylor is keeping the hype train rolling full steam ahead of training camp in St. Joe.
ESPN’s Kansas City Chiefs insider Nate Taylor recently tabbed undrafted rookie WR Jeff Caldwell as the team’s under-the-radar rookie to watch during training camp.
At 6-foot-5 and 215 pounds, he’s the most physically imposing receiver on Kansas City’s 90-man offseason roster. He was seen as a real dark horse to make the 53-man roster from the moment he signed with the team as an undrafted free agent following the 2026 NFL Draft.
“Wide receiver Jeff Caldwell. Although he went undrafted, he was the most sought-after prospect that the Chiefs were able to add to their roster. Listed at 6-foot-5 and 215 pounds, Caldwell is the biggest receiver on their roster.
“With a strong training camp and preseason — displaying physicality at the line of scrimmage, impressive contested catches and quality speed — Caldwell might be able to earn a roster spot. Helping make the case for him are the plethora of questions on the depth chart behind the trio of Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy and Tyquan Thornton.”
NATE TAYLOR
ESPN NFL NATION REPORTER
What exactly should Chiefs Kingdom make of Taylor’s assessment of Caldwell heading into training camp?
Is the Jeff Caldwell hype real or just noise for the projected Chiefs training camp darling?
The Chiefs’ WR room is fast and shifty with Xavier Worthy, Tyquan Thornton, and Cyrus Allen. It also has a few physical-after-catch types in Rashee Rice and Jalen Royals. However, it has no true X receiver, and Caldwell fits that mold. The problem here? He plays the role that Andy Reid’s offense hasn’t actually used for many seasons. What he might have going for him is legitimate separation abilities, with 4.31 speed.
Caldwell is one of the players on the 90-man roster who could have a tougher transition to the NFL. He’s a one-FBS-season player who transferred to Cincinnati from Lindenwood. The 23-year-old dominated the competition in the FCS with the Lions, racking up 1,722 yards and 23 touchdowns. His lone season of FBS play wasn’t nearly as productive, with 32 receptions, 478 yards, and 6 touchdowns in 13 games.
The real problem for Caldwell is the numbers game. Right now, the team has five locks at the wide receiver position: Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy, Jalen Royals, Tyquan Thornton, and Cyrus Allen. They have kept seven receivers in the past, but that’s going to be hard in a season when they’re likely to carry three quarterbacks on the 53-man roster. Realistically, Caldwell is fighting for a spot typically reserved for return specialists. Can he prove his worth enough to unseat a player like Nikko Remigio?
What Caldwell does have going for him is that he finished strong at mandatory minicamp. In the first practice, he had a toe-tapping touchdown grab in the back of the end zone, where he used his speed and length. If he can produce more of those in team drills and the preseason, as Taylor says, he’ll be a shoo-in.
Players who could rival WR Jeff Caldwell for the title of under-the-radar rookie
Caldwell isn’t the only under-the-radar rookie in Kansas City. They’ve got a number of UDFAs who could push for a roster spot come September.
- WR Jacob De Jesus: A favorite target of rookie QB Garrett Nussmeier, who also has elite abilities as a return specialist.
- OT Kahlil Benson: Already earning some looks with the first- and second-team offense.
- OG Josh Thompson: Some competition for interior offensive line depth like Mike Caliendo and C.J. Hanson.
- S Xavier Nwankpa: Name-dropped by Dave Toub as a potential multiphase contributor on special teams.