While the Kansas City Chiefs offense scored 28 points in a win over the San Francisco 49ers in Week 7, it was Steve Spagnuolo’s defense that once again stole the show. As has been the case several times this season, this side of the ball shut down the opposition and paved the way to victory.

However, unlike the usual games, Kansas City received some great contributions from newcomers on that side of the ball. In addition to safety Jaden Hicks fending off San Francisco quarterback Brock Purdy, cornerback Christian Roland-Wallace also grabbed one of the team’s three interceptions on the afternoon. These turnovers gave the offense, which gave the ball away twice, more opportunities to score points.

Given his background as an undrafted free agent, Roland-Wallace’s big play was more surprising than Hicks’. However, quarterback Patrick Mahomes didn’t seem one bit shocked when he realized Roland-Wallace’s benefits during the offseason.

“He’s a good football player,” Mahomes said. “He’s been like that since training camp and it shows. Some guys have it easy, and it shows from day one. He’s gotten better and better. You can tell he really listens to Spags and Coach (Dave).” Merritt, to all the coaches and players, he sits there and listens to Trent (McDuffie) get better every week and I believe he does got better and better today when his number was called. If I’m right, it was cool to see those guys come in and make plays.”

In addition to his interception of Purdy, Roland-Wallace recorded two tackles in Sunday’s win. He had the ability to impact many games during his five-year college career. In four seasons in Arizona, he totaled 169 tackles with 17 passes broken up and two interceptions. He then transferred to USC for his senior season, where he matched the same number of interceptions and set a new personal best with nine passes defended.

Unfortunately for Roland-Wallace, a poor pre-draft process contributed to him not being selected in the April 2024 NFL Draft. While his height was good and he posted an impressive 37.5-inch vertical jump, a 4.63-second 40-yard dash with poor agility splits negated everything he had. The Chiefs saw a pro football player on tape anyway, and the early results paid off as Roland-Wallace stepped up when Jaylen Watson missed time due to injury.

Before Sunday’s game, Roland-Wallace had played one defensive snap as a rookie. His 70 special teams reps probably endeared him to Dave Toub and his staff, but Kansas City hardly did real Proof of concept for what he would be in a game situation. Against San Francisco, he was forced into the defensive backfield and made the most of it.

Roland-Wallace was opportunistic, which is a theme of the Chiefs’ current defense.

Read more: Four takeaways from the Chiefs’ 28-18 win over the 49ers