Penn State HC James Franklin sends strong message about Chiefs’ UDFA that teams overlooked in the 2025 NFL Draft

Dec 31, 2024; Glendale, AZ, US; Penn State Nittany Lions defensive tackle Coziah Izzard (99) celebrates a defensive stop against the Boise State Broncos during their Vrbo Fiesta Bowl matchup at State Farm Stadium.

The Kansas City Chiefs added seven new players to the mix during the 2025 NFL Draft and even more through undrafted free agency afterward.

One of those players is Penn State DT Cosiah Izzard, who spent five seasons with the Nittany Lions. He appeared in 51 games, finishing his career at Penn State with 78 total tackles, 17.5 for loss, nine sacks, 28 total pressures, 38 defensive stops, and two forced fumbles.

Izzard was not invited to the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine but turned some heads with an impressive Penn State Pro Day performance. He recorded a 33.5-inch vertical jump, a 113-inch broad jump, 25 repetitions of 225 on the bench press, and a 4.85s 40-yard dash with a 1.56s 10-yard split at 6-foot-3 and 298 pounds.

While the athleticism and numbers speak for themself, Izzard also earned a congratulatory message and ringing endorsement from his head coach on the way out of Happy Valley. James Franklin ensured that Chiefs Kingdom knew precisely what type of player they were getting.

“Congratulations, Coziah! The Chiefs are getting a difference-maker,” Franklin wrote. “We are proud of all you’ve accomplished! Happy Valley will always be home!”

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Although he didn’t necessarily win all the glory or awards during his college career, Izzard made an indelible impact in the trenches for the Nittany Lions. Expect him to do the same by providing a stout presence on the D-Line in Kansas City.

Izzard signed a standard three-year undrafted free agent deal with the Chiefs worth $2.6 million with $225K in guaranteed money. Should he make the practice squad in 2024, those guarantees will be offset by his practice squad salary. Should he make the 53-man roster outright, he’ll surely be a steal.

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