Kansas City Chiefs: Targeting a running back in first round?
By Nick Floyd
Nov 30, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles (25) celebrates after scoring during the second half against the Denver Broncos at Arrowhead Stadium. The Broncos won 29-16. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
The 2015 NFL Draft is so close one can taste it. For the Kansas City Chiefs, there is much speculation surrounding who they will select with their first-round pick. Will they select a offensive lineman, will they go for another first-round receiver?
Last week, we explored the possibility of the Chiefs picking up another tight end, such as Minnesota’s Maxx Williams. This week we are going to take a look at a situation that, in all honesty is highly unlikely, but one that sparks the mind.
Should the Kansas City Chiefs select a running back in round one of the 2015 NFL Draft?
Now, before the haters start blasting this post, let us take a look at a possible situation: trading Knile Davis.
Dec 7, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Knile Davis (34) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Chiefs 17-14. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Davis has been a key part of the Kansas City Chiefs for the past two years. He has produced as a running back when star Jamaal Charles has gone down or rested. He has been hugely productive in the return game as well. Davis’ stats since joining the Chiefs are impressive in his limited role. In 2014, he gained 463 yards, 6 touchdowns and 147 yards receiving, including one impressive 70-yard catch and score against the Oakland Raiders. However, his more impressive stats are in the return game, accumulating 829 total yards, and one 99-yard score against interstate team, the St. Louis Rams.
Knile Davis, on another team, might be a possible starter. The one-two-three punch of the trio of Charles, Davis and De’Anthony Thomas are a formidable group, to say the least. However Davis has the kind of talent that, if allowed to be the starter, would make him a valuable member of the team he plays for. Which is why the trade talk comes into play. Yes, Charles is getting older, and as it stands right now Davis is set to take over for the star once he decides to hang up his cleats. However, as it stands right now, he might be worth more in terms of a trade for more picks in the 2015 draft. While, this scenario is more than likely not going to happen, it brings to mind the possibilites of adding more picks in 2015.
Jan 1, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Wisconsin Badgers running back Melvin Gordon (25) runs with the ball against the Auburn Tigers during the second half in the 2015 Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium. Wisconsin Badgers defeated the Auburn Tigers 34-31 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Let’s go ahead and imagine that the Chiefs found a partner to dance with and traded Davis for more draft picks. Which running back would be a good fit for the Chiefs? The most interesting prospect in the 2015 draft is Wisconsin’s Melvin Gordon. Gordon had 2,587 yards rushing in 2014, second only to Barry Sanders for all time. Gordon set various rushing records, led the nation in touchdowns with 29 and recorded 408 yards on the ground in a single game. Big, strong, and fast, this running back would be a welcome addition to the Chiefs backfield. In fact, he has been compared to current starter Jamaal Charles.
Can you imagine a duo like this behind quarterback Alex Smith? Picking your poison would never be more true with both of these players. No running back has been selected in the first round in some time but if there was ever a a player worth it, Gordon would be that back.
In the end, this is just an idle mock-draft dream. A situation like this would be too far out there for general manager John Dorsey and head coach Andy Reid. Trading away Davis, a big contributor on special teams and reliable backup to No. 25, is not responsible. Having all three — Charles, Davis and Thomas — seems to be the right combination for the Chiefs. Perhaps they might add another running back in the later rounds to contribute on special teams, but even that’s doubtful. For now the Chiefs are set with running backs and will look to get back to a dominating run game for 2015.
What say you, Addicts? Do you think the possibility of trading Davis and drafting Gordon is worth it? Let us know in the comments.
Thanks for reading.
Go Chiefs!