Chiefs flying under the radar - Part II

Continuing our look at Chiefs who are flying under the radar, we turn the spotlight onto some of the undrafted free agents who signed recently. Even by UDFA standards, these players haven’t garnered much attention, so let’s find out more about the rookies striving for a roster spot.

WR Jabari Arthur - Akron

Born in Montreal, Quebec, Jabari (pronounced Ja-Barry) was named to the 2007 All-MAC team by CollegeFootballNews.com. At 6-foot-4 and 228 pounds, he’s a big, physical receiver who was described by Scout.com’s NFL Experts as a “possession receiver who catches everything.” They also pointed out Arthur’s ability to rack up yards after the catch despite not possessing top-flight speed.

Because of those attributes, Arthur was likened to Denver’s Brandon Marshall – another small-school receiver – in several pre-draft analyses. Unlike Marshall, however, Arthur appears to be no risk off the field, as numerous reports have cited his high character.

The biggest drawback may be Arthur’s age - he’ll be 26 when the 2008 season starts. Players of that age are usually nearing the end of their first contract, not coming into the league. Despite being a rookie, he’s only about a year and a half younger than Bobby Sippio, who came out of college in 2002.

As a possession receiver with strong hands, it will probably be someone like Sippio that Arthur will have to beat out for a roster spot.

OG Edwin Harrison - Colorado

After playing right tackle for most of his starting career, Harrison moved inside to guard halfway through his senior season. The switch bolstered Colorado’s line, especially in the run game, where Harrison used his big body to knock defenders off the line of scrimmage.

Although he was strong at the point of attack, draft evaluations weren’t as kind toward Harrison when he had to get out in space. The Big XII product was described as lumbering, and not light on his feet.

But Harrison’s versatility on the offensive line may work to his advantage as he battles for a backup job.

LB LeRue Rumph - North Carolina State

Herm Edwards seems to have something of an affinity for the Wolfpack. Going back to 2004 when he drafted Jerricho Cotchery in New York, Edwards has picked four players from the school – Andre Maddox, Tank Tyler, and DaJuan Morgan are the other three.

Four players might not sound like much, but only 17 total players from North Carolina State have been drafted in that span. Edwards’ teams have accounted for nearly 25 percent of those picks.

So it should come as no surprise that a Wolfpack alum like Rumph would get a shot with the Chiefs. It’s even less surprising when you factor in the fact that he’s close friends with Edwards’ son, Marcus.

Listed at 6-foot-2 and 225 pounds, Rumph appears to have a frame similar to Donnie Edwards. His speed is described as his best asset. He’s a raw talent and may be someone to keep an eye on as he fights for a roster spot.