How Chip Kelly-inspired Chiefs undrafted signing responded to 49ers star comparisons

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Brett Veach was active during the undrafted rookie free agency market and has signed a powerful running back who has had comparisons to a San Francisco 49ers star as he joins the Chiefs roster.

The Kansas City Chiefs have been busy plugging the gaps on the team and have made sure they have left no stone unturned in free agency.

UCLA running back Carson Steele has joined the star-studded offense and was present during the recent minicamp.

Moreover, the 3-day training program was open to 79 stars from their first-rounder Xavier Worthy to undrafted prospects like Steele.

The camp gives all the rookies a chance to shine in numerous training drills and get a closer insight into NFL life.

Chiefs snatch undrafted UCLA power back Steele from rookie free agency

Carson Steele was one of the fortunate talents who has been snapped up out of the free agency pool and has a chance to earn a spot on the 53-man roster in training camp.

The 21-year-old was an undrafted rookie out of UCLA who was an efficient ball carrier in the Chip Kelly-inspired offense.

In 2023, Steele registered 847 rushing yards off 167 carries which averaged an impressive 5.1 YPC.

Before his stint at UCLA, he had transferred from the Ball State Cardinals after proving he could excel in the PAC-12.

Steele produced college bests in the PAC-12 before leaving to join Chip Kelly

Steel started all 12 games in their 2022 campaign producing personal bests across the board.

Furthermore, he logged 289 ball carries and produced a colossal 1,566 yards including 14 touchdowns.

This was 665 yards and eight touchdowns more than his freshman year.

In addition, he produced a college career-best of 5.4 YPC. Chip Kelly also was not shy to use him in the receiving game, accumulating 163 receiving yards off 17 receptions.

The bulldozing rusher had a stocky frame packed with muscle that gave him the power to squeeze yards out of every carry given.

The UCLA talent has been compared to the 49ers’ Kyle Juscyzk

Steele was asked about the comparisons made between himself and San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juscyzk.

When speaking with Justin Melo, Steele replied: “I’m kind of hearing the same thing. It’s mainly been running back and a little fullback.

“Like you said, some teams see me moving around, that whole tight end sort of deal. Honestly, whatever gets me on the field, that’s what it’s going to be.

“I’m just excited to learn anything and everything. I want to play on special teams as well. I just want a chance to get out there and help the team.

Steele was labeled as priority free agent in his combine profile and his attributes lean towards the fullback play style.

Steele has the chance to earn a spot on the main roster as a versatile weapon

Ultimately, the power rusher will be analyzed closely in the coming weeks by Andy Reid and Matt Nagy.

It is unlikely Steele will be used as a running back with the Chiefs already loaded in that position.

However, the inside zone specialist could find a spot as a fullback on the Chiefs roster as he looks to shine in training camp.

Nonetheless, his power makes him a valuable asset on special teams and he can help the team in that department.