Kansas City Chiefs: Analyzing the future options at running back
By Grant Tuttle
Again, no rumblings. This is purely for entertaining hypotheticals if the Chiefs do choose to go in this particular direction.
DRAFT OPTIONS
David Montgomery, Iowa State
Say what you will about Big 12 defenses, this guy is the best running back in the draft. While many like to place backs out of the SEC and ACC as top backs year in and year out, I fully anticipate Montgomery to become a star in the NFL. With incredible vision and tackle-breaking ability, he is incredibly difficult to slow down in any part of his game. He will likely be one of the first three running backs off of the board.
Damien Harris, Alabama
While I am skeptical of the Chiefs drafting the next Trent Richardson, I think Harris could be an effective feature back in the NFL. While he does not appear to be the most explosive runner in the class, he is very good at reading his blocks and fitting through tight windows. With a bit of work, he could be a good back in the NFL. I expect him to be a top three running back off of the draft board.
Justice Hill, Oklahoma State
I think Hill is a boom or bust candidate. He seems like he is a raw talent that may be able to be a very good player one day. With a little work, it seems as though he could be a feature back. With an excellent balance of power and speed, it seems that Hill could be very effective in the right system. It seems that his stock is higher than it should be at this point in time, but we will see where he gets picked. It could be anywhere from round two to five.
FREE AGENCY
Le’Veon Bell, Pittsburgh Steelers
Yes, we have to talk about Bell. While it seems highly unlikely to me that the Chiefs would invest the kind of money it would take, Le’Veon is clearly the best in this free agent class. With incredible patience and receiving skills, he would make the Chiefs a very tough team to stop—even more so that they are now. Again, I doubt this is even a possibility, but if the Chiefs want to invest, they could get an even better back than they had before.
Mark Ingram, New Orleans Saints
With the success of Alvin Kamara, it seems unlikely that the Saints will look to extend Ingram. If he hits the open market and the Chiefs want a feature back, he definitely fits the bill. As a punishing runner, the Chiefs would not struggle to gain yards in short yardage situations. It is possible that he may command a bigger paycheck than some other running backs in this class, however.
Latavius Murray, Minnesota Vikings
To me, Latavius Murray could definitely start and be an effective feature back. In limited action this year, he has proven that fact. With speed and downhill running ability, I think that Murray could be a steal of a free agent signing this offseason. To me, this would make a lot of sense if this is the direction the Chiefs wish to go.