Underdog Defensive Lineman’s Surprise Invite to Chiefs Rookie Minicamp Sparks Buzz

If there’s one question swirling around rookie minicamp this weekend, it’s this: can the son of a former NFL star—and current pass rush guru—turn heads in his own right? The Kansas City Chiefs are rolling out the welcome mat for a fresh wave of hopefuls, but one name, Chuck Smith IV, stands out not just because of his pedigree but because of the promise lurking beneath the surface. Undrafted but far from unproven, Smith IV’s journey from Wofford to Villanova reads like a blueprint for raw potential waiting to be unleashed. Now, as he dons the iconic Chiefs helmet—one that’s seen its share of glory and grit—he’s got a shot at carving his own legacy. It’s more than just a minicamp invite; it’s a moment tinged with expectation, legacy, and maybe a few surprises along the way. Let’s dive into why this defensive lineman might just be the under-the-radar story you didn’t see coming.

This weekend, the Kansas City Chiefs will open their doors to a wave of young talent at rookie minicamp, where dozens of hopefuls will compete for coveted spots on the 90-man offseason roster.

Among this year’s crop of newcomers stands Chuck Smith IV, a defensive lineman from Villanova with NFL bloodlines and untapped potential despite going undrafted.

“The #Chiefs have invited Villanova DL Chuck Smith IV to rookie minicamp. Son of former Falcons DE Chuck Smith, current Ravens pass rush coach,” reported Charles Goldman of A to Z Sports.

The #Chiefs have invited Villanova DL Chuck Smith IV to rookie minicamp. Son of former Falcons DE Chuck Smith, current Ravens pass rush coach.

— Charles Goldman (@goldmctNFL) April 27, 2025

The Smith name carries significant weight in NFL circles. His father, Chuck Smith III, built an impressive nine-year professional career after the Atlanta Falcons selected him in 1992.

The elder Smith accumulated 58.5 sacks and forced 20 fumbles during his tenure, earning All-Pro honors along the way before transitioning into his current role training pass rushers.

Smith IV brings that rich football heritage to Kansas City alongside his own collegiate accomplishments.

Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 280 pounds, he began his journey at Wofford, where he developed into a defensive mainstay from 2020 to 2023.

His Terriers résumé includes 33 game appearances with 27 starts, collecting 105 tackles (14 for loss), 8.5 sacks, 46 defensive stops, 52 pressures, and three fumble recoveries.

His football journey took him to Villanova for the 2024 season, where he made an immediate impact.

Smith IV appeared in all 14 games for the Wildcats, averaging 40 defensive snaps per contest while recording 35 tackles, four for loss, a half sack, 12 defensive stops, 20 pressures, and a forced fumble.

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