Deneric Prince a roster lock?

Arrowhead Pride's Pete Sweeney believes RB Deneric Prince "should be written in ink on the Chiefs’ 53 [-man roster]." Prince is "locked in as the kick returner" and has continued to impress in the passing game. The undrafted rookie had a buzzy spring and has carried that momentum into training camp. We'll see if he continues ascending throughout the preseason. For now, Prince is still more of a dynasty stash than redraft target. But we're keeping a close eye on him.

Per multiple reports, UDFA RB Deneric Prince was waived by the Chiefs on Tuesday. The former Tulsa back was a surprise standout throughout the early parts of OTAs and training camp. Unfortunately, his performances were not enough to secure a spot on the final 53-man roster. The Chiefs also cut RB La'Mical Perine from the team. The defending Super Bowl champions will carry Isiah Pacheco, Jerick McKinnon, and Clyde Edwards-Helaire into the regular season. Pacheco stands as our highest-ranked back on the Chiefs, but don't be surprised to see McKinnon return flex value in PPR formats in 2023. See where each of these players appear in our current RB rankings.

Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes talked up rookie RB Deneric Prince. "He can catch the ball in the backfield, he can run the ball really well, and he’s getting better and better with the protection stuff,” Mahomes said. “So I think they’re just continuing to get him reps. We’re going to have a deep RB room.” Per reporter Pete Sweeney, Prince "seemed" to see an increase in first-team reps on Wednesday. We should get an extended look at the 23-year-old in preseason action.

ESPN’s Adam Teicher believes rookie RB Deneric Prince could push for snaps “if he shows an aptitude for pass protection” in training camp. Prince, a rookie UDFA, caught only 17 balls across 3 seasons at Tulsa. Yet his hands reportedly stood out in spring practices. It’s hard to see the 23-year-old taking receiving work away from Jerick McKinnon and Clyde Edwards-Helaire, but we’ll keep a close eye on this position group next month. Note: Isiah Pacheco is expected to miss part of training camp following offseason surgeries.

Chiefs undrafted rookie RB Deneric Prince has made a nice first impression on teammates and coaches. “He’s a sharp kid,” HC Andy Reid said. “He’s got skills. He’s big, he can run and he has a good feel for things right now.” Added backup QB Blaine Gabbert: "For being a rookie, he’s doing a tremendous job. He’s a lot of fun to be around. He had a great catch on a deep ball that Pat [Mahomes] threw him. It was unbelievable to see a rookie running back, especially a big running back like that, jump, twist, and catch a back-shoulder. He’ll be a lot of fun to watch in training camp when we get the pads on.” Prince totaled just 316 carries and 17 catches across four college seasons (one at Texas A&M, three at Tulsa). But the 6'0, 216-pounder clocked a 4.41-second 40 time and earned a 96th percentile Relative Athletic Score. Prince isn't on the redraft radar just yet, but he's a name to file away -- and potentially stash in deep dynasty leagues.