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Dorian O’Daniel signs rookie deal with Kansas City Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs are down to only one rookie left to sign with news that linebacker Dorian O’Daniel had inked his first contract on Tuesday.
Dorian O’Daniel is the latest member of the Kansas City Chiefs draft class to sign his rookie deal, as news came of his agreement on Tuesday. The news means that only third round pick Derrick Nnadi, a defensive tackle out of Florida State, remains unsigned from the Chiefs class of 2018.

O’Daniel, who was also a third round pick at No. 100 overall, is a linebacker out of Clemson who profiles as a hybrid player, someone expected to serve the Chiefs in several roles on special teams and defense. He was the third player selected by the Chiefs in the first three rounds, all of whom could be classified as front seven help along with Nnadi and second round choice Breeland Speaks.

The Chiefs have not held back in their praise and hopes for O’Daniel after selecting him, but the former Tiger should know a thing or two about living up to high expectations having won a national championship during his collegiate career.


O’Daniel profiles well as a safety or extra linebacker in coverage, a player who can be assigned on tight ends or spying on the quarterback. His special teams coverage play will also come in handy, and it’s possible that he contends for reps with Daniel Sorensen, a player who has been utilized in similar situations by the Chiefs for the last few years.

Sorensen signed a four-year deal when John Dorsey was general manager a year ago for a cool $16 million. One year into the deal, the Chiefs might be looking to wiggle out of it if they can find similar results on the cheap—which O’Daniel certainly classifies as. One year of Sorensen will be more than what the Chiefs will pay O’Daniel for the duration of his first four years in the NFL.

O’Daniel had 88 tackles, 5 sacks, 2 interceptions and 2 fumble recoveries last year for Clemson.