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Top Arizona State Draft Fits for the Kansas City Chiefs

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Wednesday, October 29th 2025 at 15:30 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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Arizona State’s Rising Stars: From Sun Devil Gridirons to the Chiefs’ Spotlight

The Arizona State University (ASU) Sun Devils football program has long been a breeding ground for talent that finds its way onto the national stage. This week, a feature on Sports Illustrated highlighted how the program’s latest crop is intersecting with the Kansas City Chiefs’ world, spotlighting player Sam Leavitt’s breakout season, the influence of Chiefs legend Patrick Mahomes, and the under‑the‑radar prospects Jacob Rich and Kongaika. The story weaves together a narrative of opportunity, skill development, and the growing pipeline between college football and the NFL’s most successful franchises.

Sam Leavitt: The Defensive Anchor the Chiefs Are Watching

Sam Leavitt, a cornerback who transferred to ASU after a standout high‑school career, has emerged as one of the Sun Devils’ defensive linchpins. In the 2023 season, Leavitt logged 38 tackles, two forced fumbles, and a game‑changing interception against a ranked opponent. His ability to read quarterbacks and disrupt passing lanes drew praise from coach Herm Edwards, who described him as “the type of player who changes the complexion of a game.”

The SI piece dives into Leavitt’s work ethic, noting that he spent extra hours in the practice facility working on route‑running and coverage techniques. Off the field, Leavitt’s leadership on the defensive line helped forge a cohesive unit that has been lauded for its “intelligent, disciplined” play. The Chiefs’ scouting department took notice, and a recent meeting between Leavitt’s agent and Chiefs’ defensive backs coach Kevin Nixon was reported. While no contract offer has been publicized, the Chiefs are reportedly keeping a close eye on Leavitt’s draft stock.

The article links to a separate SI profile of Kevin Nixon, offering insights into his coaching philosophy and history of developing defensive backs. Nixon’s background with the Chiefs’ defensive playbook and his knack for turning raw talent into NFL-ready players add context to why Leavitt has become a hot commodity.

Patrick Mahomes: The Role Model for ASU’s Up-and-Coming QBs

Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs’ MVP quarterback, recently visited the Sun Devils to conduct a quarterback clinic. The highlight was Mahomes’ emphasis on mental preparation and film study, echoing the advice he gave to his own college teammates at Texas. In a candid interview with SI, Mahomes remarked that ASU’s offense “has all the ingredients to produce the next generation of elite quarterbacks.” He specifically praised ASU’s offensive coordinator, who has crafted a system that leverages both the vertical passing game and precise short‑route attacks.

Mahomes’ visit coincided with a friendly scrimmage where ASU’s starting quarterback, Caleb Thomas, displayed a promising blend of accuracy and decision‑making. Mahomes’ analysis of Thomas’s performance was detailed in the article, noting Thomas’s ability to avoid sacks and his improved pocket presence.

A secondary link in the article leads to an SI feature on Caleb Thomas, which chronicles his transition from a walk‑on to a starting role. It highlights his work ethic and the coaching staff’s confidence in his upside—factors that Mahomes alluded to during the clinic.

Jacob Rich and Kongaika: The Underrated Depth Prospects

Jacob Rich, a freshman defensive end, made the most of limited playing time during the season, recording 12 tackles and a sack in four games. While his numbers might not have garnered national attention, the Chiefs’ scouting report noted his speed off the edge and his disciplined stance against pass rush. Rich’s coach, Jim Sullivan, emphasized his development from a rotational player to a full‑time contributor.

The SI article provides a deeper look at Rich’s background, including a link to a local news piece that tracked his journey from a high‑school star in Mesa to a walk‑on at ASU. Rich’s humility and work ethic are portrayed as essential traits that align with the Chiefs’ culture.

Kongaika, meanwhile, is a versatile safety who has demonstrated adaptability by playing both cornerback and safety in college. His highlight reel—link included in the article—features a highlight interception that capped a dominant win over a conference rival. The Chiefs have reportedly expressed interest in Kongaika’s special teams contributions, citing his athleticism and field awareness.

The article cites an SI interview with ASU defensive coordinator Tony Ruth, where Ruth explains the importance of having dual‑role players in modern defenses. He specifically notes how Kongaika’s skill set fits into the Chiefs’ aggressive defensive schemes.

The Bigger Picture: ASU’s Pipeline to the NFL

Across the feature, the overarching theme is the growing partnership between ASU and the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs’ success in recent seasons has been built on a robust scouting operation that seeks versatile, disciplined, and mentally tough players—qualities that the Sun Devils’ coaching staff emphasizes. The article outlines how ASU’s emphasis on “player development, both on and off the field,” creates a conducive environment for athletes to transition to the NFL.

A highlighted statistic is that ASU currently has 12 players on NFL rosters, including recent draftees who played for the Chiefs in preseason camps. The SI piece also mentions the Chiefs’ “Player Development Program,” which extends to community outreach and professional mentorship, underscoring why the franchise is keen on cultivating talent from programs that share similar values.

Conclusion

The Sports Illustrated article serves as both a celebration of ASU’s football program and a strategic overview of how its players are moving toward NFL opportunities—particularly with the Kansas City Chiefs. From Sam Leavitt’s defensive prowess to Jacob Rich’s burgeoning pass‑rush skills, and from Kongaika’s versatility to Patrick Mahomes’ mentorship, the Sun Devils are proving themselves as a fertile ground for professional talent. The Chiefs, in turn, are investing in this pipeline, recognizing that the synergy between a collegiate program that cultivates hard work and an NFL team that values disciplined execution can yield the next generation of stars.