The Kansas City Chiefs faced major challenges protecting quarterback Patrick Mahomes throughout the 2024 season, and those struggles were especially clear during their final game against the Philadelphia Eagles. As the team approached the 2025 NFL Draft, strengthening the offensive line became a top priority for head coach Andy Reid and the Chiefs’ front office. They addressed this need early by selecting offensive tackle Josh Simmons from Ohio State with their first pick. Out of their total seven draft selections, three players were offensive standouts, but the team’s efforts to bolster the offense didn’t stop there.
#Chiefs sign offensive lineman Dalton Cooper to deal that includes $25,000 signing bonus, per a league source, with $259,000 total guaranteed
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) April 27, 2025
Immediately after the draft concluded and Mr. Irrelevant was announced, the Chiefs got to work filling out their 90-man roster. They aggressively pursued undrafted free agents, signing 13 players to strengthen their offensive depth. One notable signing was offensive lineman Dalton Cooper from Oklahoma State, who secured a contract with $259,000 guaranteed, according to a report from Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 Houston.
Cooper’s agreement also includes a $25,000 signing bonus. The 6’7”, 315-pound lineman began his college career at Texas State, starting all 12 games at left tackle in one season and allowing just three sacks on 429 pass plays. His strong performance earned him multiple awards. Later, Cooper transferred to Oklahoma State, where he continued to start at left tackle. Despite missing part of last season due to a knee injury, his performance stayed solid across eight starts.
Scouting reports on Cooper have been mixed. Some praised his flexibility and hip movement, while others questioned his anchor ability and overall play strength. Still, he posted an impressive athletic score of 9.01, suggesting strong physical traits. Given the Chiefs’ thorough scouting process led by General Manager Brett Veach, it’s clear the team saw potential value in Cooper. How offensive coordinator Matt Nagy plans to utilize him will become clearer once the season gets underway. Beyond Cooper, the Chiefs also signed several other players on both offense and defense.
During the draft, Kansas City selected three offensive players: OT Josh Simmons, WR Jalen Royals from Utah State, and RB Brashard Smith from SMU. They then continued adding depth through undrafted free agents, signing five more offensive players:
WR Elijah Badger (Florida),
TE Jake Briningstool (Clemson),
WR/returner Mac Dalena (Fresno State),
WR Jimmy Holiday (Louisiana Tech),
OT Esa Pole (Washington State).
Defensively, the Chiefs brought in seven undrafted players:
CB Jacobe Covington (USC),
LB Brandon George (Pittsburgh),
DT Kevin Hester Jr. (North Carolina),
CB Robert Jones III (Howard),
DB Glendon Miller (Maryland),
DL Chuck Smith IV (Villanova),
DB Melvin Smith Jr. (Southern Arkansas).
Additionally, USC punter Eddie Czaplicki was signed to bolster special teams.
Overall, the Chiefs took a proactive approach to rebuilding and strengthening their roster after a disappointing end to their three-peat hopes. Whether these new additions, particularly on the offensive line, will finally provide Mahomes with the protection he needs remains a key storyline heading into the season.