Kansas City Chiefs: Top ten players that could break out in 2017

2. Kareem Hunt, RB

The only rookie to make my top ten list comes in just one spot short of the top of the list. While I believe Spencer Ware is a talented NFL running back, I think it will be the rookie Kareem Hunt that ends up being the Chiefs most productive running back in 2017.

While I absolutely loved the selection of Patrick Mahomes in the first round and believe he will do great things in Kansas City, the rookie that will undoubtedly make the biggest impact this season is Hunt. I have spent a lot of time watching game tape of Hunt since he was selected and I simply think he is a perfect fit for this offense. His ability to squeeze through small holes and not go down on first contact will be invaluable with an offensive line that hasn’t exactly mauled people in the running game so far. Hunt creates yards and this offense desperately needed that last season. He is also a weapon as a pass catcher out of the backfield, which also fits Andy Reid’s offense.

Spencer Ware was healthy and incredibly productive when he was used as a second back. Last year, he simply wasn’t able to maintain that as an every down player. I believe Hunt will be good enough to return Ware to that role and that it will give the Chiefs running game exactly the boost that it needs after a down 2016.

While Tyreek Hill may have more upside, I think there is still some risk there in terms of his ability to drastically improve on what was already a great rookie season. That is why I have Hunt ahead of him on this list. Despite being a rookie there isn’t an offensive player I feel is a safer bet to break out in 2017.

That tells you that my number one break out player for 2017 is a defender.