Kansas City Chiefs: Analyzing the future options at running back
By Grant Tuttle
This is purely hypothetical and these are certainly not rumblings. For fun, I want to list some guys that could be a part of a running back committee going forward, if the Chiefs choose that direction.
DRAFT OPTIONS
Bryce Love, Stanford
Bryce Love is one of my favorite running backs in this draft class. While his stock is all over the place right now, I expect his stock to rise as we get closer to the draft. Love’s biggest strength is his ability to follow blockers. As a patient runner, he also has incredible explosiveness out of the backfield and may be one of the fastest backs in the draft class. Love would make a very good number two back, but could also have the ability to be a feature back in the right system. If Love is still on the board when the Chiefs pick in round two, they should give him a serious look.
Myles Gaskin, Washington
Another running back that would be great for a committee would be Myles Gaskin. Gaskin is coming into the draft as a senior, which may make his stock fall slightly due to his age. As another guy that is on the fringe of being an NFL feature back, Gaskin’s ability to catch out of the backfield is vitally important. If Gaskin is around in round three, the Chiefs should pounce on the opportunity to bring him in for third down/receiving purposes. He shows great balance and an ability to play every running back role to adequacy.
Karan Higdon, Michigan
Although Higdon is not on the same level as the other two running backs that I have listed, he is, nonetheless, an interesting option in rounds 3-5. Higdon has a unique style. Despite being relatively small, he has great “downhill running” ability and is dangerous in open space. While he does not have blazing speed, he is decently fast. I think he would be a “committee only” type candidate as his ceiling seems a bit lower than running backs with his skillset.
FREE AGENCY
Tevin Coleman, Atlanta Falcons
I, for one, love Coleman. As a change of pace running back, he would be an excellent addition for the Chiefs. As a smaller, faster back, Coleman creates a mismatch out of the backfield for running backs. With the Falcons, he does not appear to showcase the ability to be a feature back of an offense, but with another back, his ability can prove incredibly effective.
Ty Montgomery, Baltimore Ravens
Ty Montgomery is a less electric Tevin Coleman. However, he is a very talented receiver as he is a former wide receiver. A career committee member, he presents a mismatch with his ability to get open downfield. He could fit nicely in the Chiefs offense with Patrick Mahomes throwing the ball downfield.
LeGarrette Blount, Detroit Lions
As a guy who has been highly touted as a very good running back, Blount does not have a lot to show for it. However, in the right system as a part of a committee, I think that he could be very effective. On an offense like the Chiefs, where the defense is forced to spread out, a pure power back, such as Blount could be effective in short yardage situations.