Jun 9, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chief coach Andy Reid watches warm ups before the match between Seattle Reign FC and Kansas City Current at CPKC Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports / Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
Andy Reid’s love for fullbacks essentially ended in the 2023 season as the Chiefs joined the masses in the NFL by leaving the position off their final 53-man roster.
Despite years of keeping a guy like Michael Burton or Anthony Sherman, Reid believed the fullback was becoming obsolete, especially given the rise of versatile tight ends who can serve the same function.
However, undrafted UCLA RB Carson Steele is drawing work at fullback on top of his natural running back position. Could Reid keep Steele around as a fullback after going without one last year?
Undrafted UCLA RB Carson Steele Practicing at Fullback
Steele is a powerful, physical runner. At 6’0″, 228 LBs, he’s got the prerequisite size to handle blocks while showcasing impressive receiving abilities as well.
During rookie minicamp and the mandatory portion for the team, Steele mentioned he’s getting work in a variety of spots. “They’ve got me rolling in and out at running back and at fullback,” he said. “As long as I’m out there, I’m cool with whatever. I feel like I can fit in somewhere.”
The Chiefs only have Isiah Pacheco and Clyde Edwards-Helaire definitively on the roster at this point. Jerick McKinnon remains a free agent, so it appears Kansas City will have a new player assuming the third running back role.
With special teams value as well, Steele has a real chance to push for the roster. He’s not the only undrafted running back who’s impressive, though his versatility could give him the edge. In a fitting tribute, Steele is even wearing Sherman’s old #42 jersey number.
We’ll see how things look in minicamp but I’m growing cautiously optimistic that there’s a place on this team for a player like Steele.