Kansas City Hosts 2 Intriguing Local Prospects for Pro Day

Kansas City Chiefs could draft hometown tight ends.

Jul 28, 2023; St. Joseph, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid during training camp at Missouri Western State University. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images | Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

On Tuesday, Kansas City hosted 37 prospects around the area for their own version of a pro day. These workouts allowed some “hidden talents” to get more attention within a professional organization, and it also allowed some local talents to showcase their abilities.

Major colleges like Kansas, Kansas State, and Missouri had players in attendance, but there were also former local high school players that were able to attend. Former Rockhurst tight ends John Michael Gyllenborg and Johnny Pascuzzi were a part of the workouts.

Nov 30, 2024; Pullman, Washington, USA; Wyoming Cowboys tight end John Michael Gyllenborg (84) goes into motion against the Washington State Cougars in the second half at Gesa Field at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-Imagn Images | James Snook-Imagn Images

Gyllenborg and Pascuzzi ended their collegiate careers at Division I universities, but their roots could be set in Kansas City, Missouri. The Chiefs are looking at possible tight end successors with Travis Kelce towards the end of his career, so these workouts could be critical.

Coaches and scouts will use these workouts as a stepping stone to see which players could fit their system more than others. With the draft coming up later this month, every interview, workout, and evaluation is critical towards making the right pick for the organization.

Iowa tight end Johnny Pascuzzi (82) runs a route during a spring NCAA football practice, Thursday, March 30, 2023, at the University of Iowa Indoor Practice Facility in Iowa City, Iowa. 230330 Iowa Spring Fb 084 Jpg | Joseph Cress/Iowa City Press-Citizen / USA TODAY NETWORK

Kansas City currently has nine picks throughout this upcoming draft, and there are plenty of talents that fit the mold of being on the Chiefs team. For Gyllenborg, he is projected to be a late-round pick, while Pascuzzi is currently not predicted to be drafted.

Both players have Kansas City roots, which could make them more enticing come draft night. They aren’t the only hometown talents that could be in a Chiefs uniform by the time the regular season comes around. Oregon wide receiver Malik Benson has also met with the team.

Feb 24, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Kansas City Chiefs general manager Brett Veach speaks at the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

General Manager Brett Veach has loved drafting players that have ties to the local area. All three of those names could be ones to watch out for throughout day three of the draft.

Wyoming TE John Michael Gyllenborg

Gyllenborg is 6-foot-6 and has an explosive burst to him. When he played for Wyoming, he showed potential to beat defensive schemes with his talents. There are many factors that could still need some work, but Kansas City has history with being able to develop tight ends to their truest potential.

Sep 2, 2023; Laramie, Wyoming, USA; Wyoming Cowboys tight end John Michael Gyllenborg (84) scores a touchdown in double overtime against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Jonah Field at War Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Babbitt-Imagn Images | Troy Babbitt-Imagn Images

Tulane TE Johnny Pascuzzi

The talent is there, but the production was never extraordinary at Tulane. This past season, Pascuzzi recorded 12 receptions, 158 yards, and one touchdown. With only two games of three receptions, there is still some work to be done.

He was used for depth at tight end for Iowa before transferring to Tulane. He will probably go undrafted, but the Chiefs could offer him a spot as an undrafted free agent.

Iowa Hawkeyes tight end Johnny Pascuzzi (82) makes a catch during an open spring practice Saturday, April 20, 2024 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. | Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Citizen / USA TODAY NETWORK

The Chiefs will have plenty of options with the talent pool this year. With many players having local ties to the Kansas City area, Veach will need to make some hard decisions later this month.