The Kansas City Chiefs face difficult roster decisions at running back

Personally, I would be a bit surprised if the Chiefs didn’t carry four running backs on the opening day roster. These are my picks to make the roster.

This offseason has been interesting for several reasons, but one of which is the number of intriguing players the Kansas City Chiefs have brought in at running back. The position has become more important to offenses in recent years recently due to the successes of young backs such as Alvin Kamara, Ezekiel Elliot, and the Chiefs very own Kareem Hunt. This was also magnified in this year’s draft as six running backs were selected  in the first three rounds.

However, the influx of players has come as a bit of a surprise to most Chiefs fans since this was not a “position of need.” The team may have brought in more guys at running back to avoid another C.J. Spiller ordeal this season.  Also the value of depth at any position cannot be understated.

However, I believe the reason the Chiefs decided to add more running backs to the roster before training camp is about the scheme. If head coach Andy Reid wants to develop an offense in which Patrick Mahomes is confident and can thrive, he has had to consider having formations that feature two running backs in the backfield with Mahomes.

A split-back shotgun formation (or two-back shotgun) was successful at Texas Tech when Pat Mahomes was at the helm. That is not to say that Reid plans on going full “Air Raid” offense, but it is likely that aspects of the system will be implemented in the Chiefs offense next season.

The Chiefs coaching staff is going to be keeping a close eye on the training camp competition at the running back spot. The team had the league’s leading rusher last season in Kareem Hunt, who will undoubtedly be the Chiefs number one guy on opening day. However, the roster spots behind him are up for grabs. Personally, I would be a bit surprised if the Chiefs did not carry four running backs on the opening day roster.