A recent list at NFL.com put Kareem Hunt just behind Deshaun Watson as one of the league’s very best second-year players.
The Kansas City Chiefs offense has plenty of reason for optimism in 2018. While it begins with the cannon of an arm and tremendous playmaking ability (and ceiling) of new quarterback Patrick Mahomes, it certainly doesn’t stop there. Surrounding Mahomes on offense is a treasure trove of options that most quarterbacks in the NFL would love to have.
Kareem Hunt is a significant part of that offensive storehouse. Last year, as a rookie drafted in the third round out of Toledo, Hunt put on a spectacular showing to open the season against the New England Patriots and stayed in the thick of the rushing title race enough to come out with a victory in the team’s final game of the season.
A recent list over at NFL.com by former wide receiver Nate Burleson listed the league’s top second year players, and Hunt came in at No. 2, just behind Houston Texans starting quarterback Deshaun Watson. Burleson writes:
"Hunt was a huge part of Andy Reid’s offense in 2017 and finished as the league rushing leader (1,327 yards). With Patrick Mahomes stepping in under center after Alex Smith’s departure, Hunt’s role will have a greater impact on the Chiefs’ offensive success. I’m looking for Hunt to maintain a level of consistency for 16 games, something we didn’t see in Year 1 with a midseason dip in production."
Burleson brings up some excellent points here that could lead to even bigger numbers for Hunt. Last season, Hunt had 1,782 yards from scrimmage as a rookie, but that number should head north in 2018 based on his experience, stamina and usage.
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Mahomes has the trust and confidence of everyone in the building at 1 Arrowhead Drive, but when push comes to shove, he’s still going to be a first-year starter facing a daunting schedule. Nothing helps a quarterback like having a proven running back to take some of the pressure off of him. In the early going, we might see Mahomes rely on Hunt to do what he can to create less pressure in the pocket. Hunt’s solid runs on first or second down can place Mahomes in easier situations to move the chains as drives wear on.
In addition, the pro game is significantly longer than the college season, especially if you had playoff appearances into the mix. Given the superior level of competition as well, the taxing first season for a player can force rookies to hit a wall. One year of experience and more conditioning at the pro level should help Hunt stay the course.
It will be interesting to see if Hunt can cross the 2,000 yard mark from scrimmage. He already is the most productive in Andy Reid’s coaching history (by 700 yards), so there’s every reason to expect that Hunt can continue to shatter the ceilings above him and become the next great Chiefs running back—the latest in a very long line of impressive performers in Kansas City.