Chiefs preseason standouts: 3 players who made most out of opportunity

Preseason games mean everything to players who are on the NFL roster bubble. This summer, the Kansas City Chiefs saw three players step up with big performances in these important games.

With strong performances throughout camp and preseason, players often can evolve from being camp bodies to a trusted playmaker. This is the time of year when undrafted rookies make their presence known, and where veteran journeymen prove they have finally gotten over the hump.

It's also a time when highly-touted youngsters get a chance to prove they are worth the hype.

So which Chiefs players stood out this summer?

Carson Steele, running back

Don't look now, but the Chiefs may have just discovered a modern version of Mike Alstott. The undrafted rookie free agent out of UCLA has done nothing but impress this summer.

Steele finished the preseason with 87 yards and two touchdowns on just 11 carries. He not only did enough to secure a roster spot (in this writer's humble estimation), he also did enough to factor in as a real contributor this coming NFL season.

Cornell Powell, wide receiver

Powell is a former fifth-round pick out of Clemson. He was drafted by Kansas City, and he's spent the past three seasons on the team's practice squad. Based on what he's done this summer, Powell may finally be ready to take the leap.

During the Chiefs' preseason, Powell caught 6-of-8 passes thrown his way. He averaged 17.3 yards per catch, finishing with 104 yards and two touchdowns.

Felix Anudike-Uzomah, defensive end

The Chiefs obviously have high hopes for Anidike-Ozomah, having selected him in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. As a rookie last season, he was minimally utilized and finished with 14 tackles, half a sack, and one fumble recovery.

This preseason, the former Kansas State star came alive. He was very active up front, tallying six solo tackles, nine total tackles, and one defensed pass.