The Kansas City Chiefs, known for their dynamic offense and consistent success in the NFL, may have unearthed a hidden gem in the 2024 NFL offseason with the addition of Carson Steele, an undrafted running back from UCLA and Ball State.

As the Chiefs’ preseason draws to a close, Steele’s performances have begun to capture the attention of both fans and coaches, sparking excitement and speculation about his potential role in the team’s future.

While some fans remain cautious, trying to gauge the unfolding saga of this young player’s journey, others are already envisioning Steele as a key contributor to the Chiefs’ offensive plans in the upcoming season.

Carson Steele’s path to the NFL is one marked by determination, versatility, and an unwavering work ethic.

His journey began at Ball State, where he quickly made a name for himself as a formidable force in the backfield.

As a sophomore in 2022, Steele exploded onto the scene, accumulating over 1,700 total yards and 15 touchdowns.

His powerful running style, combined with his ability to break tackles and gain yards after contact, made him a standout player at the collegiate level.

This success caught the attention of larger programs, and Steele eventually transferred to UCLA, where he continued to build on his impressive resume.

At UCLA, he added another 1,000 total yards and eight touchdowns, despite being part of a rotation in the Bruins’ backfield.

Steele’s decision to declare for the 2024 NFL Draft was met with mixed reactions.

While his college statistics were impressive, there were concerns about his ability to transition to the NFL, particularly given his status as an undrafted free agent.

However, the Kansas City Chiefs saw something in Steele that made them believe he could be a valuable addition to their roster. Inviting him to training camp, the Chiefs gave Steele an opportunity to prove himself, and he has not disappointed.

From the outset of training camp, Steele has shown that he is more than capable of competing at the NFL level.

His performance in the preseason opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars was a statement of intent.

On just four carries, Steele managed to rack up 29 yards and a touchdown, a feat made even more impressive by the fact that all 29 yards were gained after contact.

At 6’1” and 225 pounds, Steele’s physicality and power were on full display, as he bulldozed his way through defenders, proving nearly impossible to bring down by a single tackler.

This performance immediately caught the eye of coaches and fans alike, establishing Steele as a player to watch as the preseason continued.

In the following week’s game against the Detroit Lions, Steele’s opportunities were more limited.

He carried the ball only three times for a modest eight yards, a result that could be attributed to the limited snaps he received in the game.

However, despite the lack of eye-popping statistics, Steele continued to demonstrate the same hard-nosed running style that had earned him attention in the previous week.

His ability to gain positive yards, even in limited action, kept his stock steady as the preseason moved forward.

But it was in the final preseason game against the Chicago Bears that Steele truly solidified his case for a spot on the Chiefs’ final 53-man roster.

In this game, Steele received the most playing time he had all summer, and he made the most of the opportunity.

Leading the Chiefs’ rushing efforts, Steele carried the ball four times for an impressive 50 yards and a touchdown.

His highlight of the night was a remarkable 31-yard run, during which he broke multiple tackles and powered his way into the end zone, electrifying the crowd and leaving no doubt about his capabilities as an NFL running back.

Steel’s performance against the Bears was a culmination of everything he had shown throughout the preseason—strength, vision, determination, and an ability to make big plays when given the opportunity.

It was a performance that likely caught the attention of the Chiefs’ coaching staff, who now faced the difficult decision of whether to include Steele on the final roster.

Given the depth of the Chiefs’ running back room, which includes established players like Isaiah Pacheco, the decision was not an easy one.

However, Steele’s versatility and potential to contribute in multiple roles may have tipped the scales in his favor.

One of the most intriguing aspects of Steele’s game is his versatility.

While he has primarily been utilized as a running back, his skill set suggests that he could be much more for the Chiefs.

Throughout his college career and preseason, Steele has shown an ability to adapt to various roles within the offense.

He can be a powerful lead back, capable of carrying the load and grinding out tough yards between the tackles.

Alternatively, he could serve as a change-of-pace option alongside Pacheco, providing a different style of running that could keep defenses off balance.

Additionally, Steele’s physicality and blocking ability make him a candidate for the fullback position, a role that could see him lead blocking for other backs, protecting the quarterback, or even catching passes out of the backfield.

The idea of Steele contributing as a fullback is particularly intriguing, given the evolution of the fullback position in today’s NFL.

While the traditional fullback has become somewhat of a rarity in the modern game, those who can fulfill multiple roles—such as blocking, running, and receiving—are highly valued.

Steele’s ability to excel in all these areas could make him an invaluable asset in the Chiefs’ offense, particularly in short-yardage and goal-line situations where his size and power would be most effective.

However, making the transition from an undrafted rookie to a key contributor on an NFL team is no small feat.

Steele will need to continue to work hard, study the playbook, and take advantage of every opportunity he gets.

The NFL is a league where nothing is guaranteed, and roster spots are earned through consistent performance and reliability.

Steele’s impressive preseason has put him in a strong position, but the real challenge begins when the regular season kicks off, and the stakes are raised.

The Chiefs’ coaching staff, led by the experienced Andy Reid, is known for its ability to develop players and maximize their potential.

Under Reid’s guidance, Steele will have the opportunity to learn from one of the best offensive minds in football.

Reid’s track record with running backs is well-documented, having coached and developed numerous successful backs over his career.

If Steele can continue to impress in practice and in the limited opportunities he may receive during the regular season, there’s every reason to believe that he could become the latest success story in Reid’s illustrious coaching career.

For Chiefs fans, the prospect of adding another weapon to an already potent offense is exciting.

The team’s offense, spearheaded by the incomparable Patrick Mahomes, is known for its explosiveness and ability to score points in bunches.

Adding a player like Steele, who brings a different dimension to the running game, could make the Chiefs even more difficult to defend.

His ability to gain yards after contact, break tackles, and contribute in various roles gives the Chiefs a versatile option that could be deployed in a number of creative ways.

Moreover, Steele’s journey to the NFL, from an undrafted rookie to a potential key contributor, is a story that resonates with many fans.

His hard work, determination, and perseverance embody the qualities that fans love to see in their players.

In a league where so much emphasis is placed on draft status and pedigree, Steele’s rise serves as a reminder that talent and heart can overcome any obstacle.

His story is one of grit and resilience, qualities that are sure to endear him to the Chiefs’ passionate fanbase.

As the 2024 NFL season approaches, the excitement around Carson Steele continues to build.

While the final roster decisions have yet to be made, there is a growing belief that Steele has done enough to earn his place on the team.

Whether he ultimately makes the final roster or begins the season on the practice squad, Steele’s future with the Chiefs looks promising.

His performances in the preseason have shown that he has the talent to succeed at the highest level, and with continued hard work and development, he could become a key part of the Chiefs’ offense in the years to come.

In conclusion, Carson Steele’s journey from an undrafted rookie to a potential NFL contributor is a testament to his talent, work ethic, and determination.

His performances in the preseason have put him on the radar of coaches, analysts, and fans alike, and there is a growing sense that the Kansas City Chiefs may have found a hidden gem in Steele.

As the regular season approaches, all eyes will be on Steele to see if he can continue to build on his preseason success and carve out a role for himself in one of the NFL’s most explosive offenses.

Whether he is used as a running back, a fullback, or in some other capacity, Steele’s versatility and physicality make him a valuable asset for the Chiefs, and his journey is one that fans will be eager to follow as the 2024 season unfolds.