2020 Predictions: Running back Kareem Hunt

Our staff writers look ahead three years to predict what we will be saying about this year’s draft class in 2020. Next up: RB Kareem Hunt.

In our latest installment of our 2020 Predictions series, we turn to the man who is facing the greatest amount of immediate pressure: running back Kareem Hunt. Despite the presence of Spencer Ware and other veterans, Hunt also knows he’s been brought in to help on the immediate end, given K.C.’s subpar running stats in 2016. He’s also been given the torch after the release of Jamaal Charles. Those are big shoes.

No one is expecting Hunt to be Charles. No one even expected Charles to be Charles. That said, former Chiefs GM John Dorsey built up expectations for Hunt saying how well he can stay on his feet after first contact and the tape proves it. He’s an exciting back who could be the sort of dual threat that Andy Reid’s offense knows best how to use.

Looking ahead three years, here’s what our staff writers predict we will be saying about Kareem Hunt in the year 2020.

The Predictions:

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The selection of Kareem Hunt has seemingly paid off for former General Manager John Dorsey. Hunt outplayed a loaded running back group during the 2017 season and won the starting job towards the end of year. Hunt is now a three-down back that much like the former Chief Jamaal Charles, with the ability to beat you on the ground and through the air. Running backs coach Eric Bieniemy has once again proved his worth to the team turning Hunt into the threat he is today. [Nick Floyd]

When 2020 rolls around, Kareem Hunt will be the Chiefs’ premier back and one of the 3-5 best running backs in the conference. His fourth NFL season is a contract year and he could very well be playing the best football of his life. Expect him to be workhorse in Kansas City’s backfield even if West, Ware or both are still around at One Arrowhead Drive. [Reach]

The Chiefs are in a new era continuing their run on great running backs. From Marcus Allen to Christian Okoye to Priest Holmes to Larry Johnson to Jamaal Charles and now finally we’ve arrived to the Kareem Hunt era. He’s not quite as fast as Charles or as powerful as Okoye, but he brings a perfect blend of power, speed, and agility. And much like many of those who came before him, he has shown to be more than just a checkdown in the run game. [David Thomas]

While Mahomes may be the franchise in Kansas City, Hunt may have been the most important selection in the 2016 draft. Hunt continues the legacy of above average running backs in red and gold, but in a much different way than his predecessors. Hunt proved to be a capable running back by breaking the 1,000 yard mark in three of his first four seasons. His true value, however, comes in the passing game, as he proved to be a valuable safety valve for Mahomes and took pressure off of the young QB during his first starting season. Hunt’s game has proven to be very similar to former Andy Reid running back Brian Westbrook. [Thomas Welte]

When the Kansas City Chiefs traded up to get Kareem Hunt in the 2017 Draft, it put him under the microscope. Despite this pressure, Hunt has lived up to expectations. After sharing the duties his rookie season, Hunt was given the job as feature back in his second year. Since then he’s rushed for over 1,000 yards and hauled in at least 300 yards receiving in each of the last two seasons. While he’s not the 80-yard home run hitter Jamaal Charles was, he gets his fair share of chunk yards and does not go down easy. With teams having to respect the passing ability of Patrick Mahomes, Hunt should continue to see five or six man boxes giving him plenty of running lanes to attack. [Britt Zank]