NFL OTAs are less than two weeks away, giving the Kansas City Chiefs a chance to see all of the talent on the 91-man offseason roster in one setting.
This season’s team will not be short on rookies, and the Chiefs have signed a few interesting undrafted free agents to add to the pool of young talent.
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The bottom of the depth chart at the defensive end position is certainly looking for someone to earn their place in the rotation, and that would be the case even if a veteran is added before training camp. Second-round pick R Mason Thomas was the only defensive end drafted, and one undrafted free agent will join him in training camp with a similar play style.
Vincent “V.J.” Anthony Jr.
In four seasons at Duke, undrafted defensive end Vincent Anthony Jr. finished with 15 sacks— 7.5 in 2025— eight batted passes, and one forced fumble.
According to Dane Brugler of The Athletic, Anthony played the “Vyper” edge rusher position in the Blue Devils’ four-man front. That is a twist on the “Rush” defensive end in a traditional 4-3 defense, which typically requires an explosive player who gets off the line quickly and can cover ground defending the edge to the sideline.
A tall, lanky pass rusher, Anthony has the frame to hold up on the edge despite his thin physique.
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With long arms and good overall testing numbers, Anthony has the kind of build that defensive coaches can work with, and that makes him a good developmental prospect for a team.
A look at the tape
At Duke, Anthony’s success was predicated on using a combination of his ability to bend the corner and above-average length for a “Rush” end.
With his long arms, he can compete with tackles and try to overwhelm them off the snap, and this is where his flexibility comes into play.
While he is not an over-explosive player, he does have the hip bend to work his way around the arc and apply pressure on quarterbacks.
His body type makes him difficult to block on pass rush downs. His game needs much refinement and work, but he does have a few pass-rush moves he has shown he can use when rushing off the edge.
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His go-to move off the edge is a rip, and it is where he maximizes his long limbs while not being as stiff as the typical defensive end with his frame. He can create separation from himself and the tackle, while also getting low enough and staying balanced enough to bend the arc.
Final verdict
Anthony still has plenty to work on with his game, despite showing some potential as a pass rusher. Aside from speed and quickness, he has very little power or pocket-crushing ability, and his hand-fighting will need work. He is unable to counter well off blocks and often is stalemated if he can’t win quickly.
He will not be a viable option on run downs either, and his overall play strength will need work.
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The best case for Anthony in Kansas City will be making the practice squad as a rookie and doing his best to develop his game and learn the Chiefs’ defense.
Kansas City didn’t sign Anthony to be the player he was at Duke, and it seems like he will fall under the “developmental edge rusher” role nicely.
The Chiefs took multiple lottery tickets with all the undrafted free agents the front office signed, banking on the most athletic prospects possible, and Anthony is near the top of the list.
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