The Kansas City Chiefs drafted RB Darwin Thompson in the 6th round of the 2019 NFL Draft. This move may help mend the wounds left by Kareem Hunt.
It wasn’t that long ago that the Kansas City Chiefs offense looked to be historically great. Much to the dismay of Chiefs fans, Kareem Hunt was let go during last season after the video was released of him placing his hands on a female, later kicking her while she was on the ground.
In a blink of an eye, Kareem Hunt’s career with Kansas City was over. No more epic hurdles over defensive backs. Gone were the 12-yard runs with linebackers holding on for dear life. Goodbye to the 100-yard games with multiple touchdowns on the ground and through the air.
The absence of Hunt left a noticeable void in the Chief’s gameplan going forward through the 2018 season. Damien Williams played well enough to get an extension in Hunt’s absence but doesn’t possess the impact Hunt had.
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Enter Darwin Thompson from Utah State. In his only season with the Aggies, Thompson rushed for 1,044 yards and 14 touchdowns. Those numbers don’t necessarily jump out at you, because it’s how he gained those yards and touchdowns that impresses even the most accurate analysts.
He has an uncanny set of attributes that give him more of that “special weapon” type of player. He can play all over the field, running, catching, and returning.
His contact balance is praised by everyone who’s watched him. He’s tough as nails. He squats 500 lbs with ease, never goes down easy, and can make semi trucks miss him in a narrow tunnel. The kid can play.
He played his high school ball at Jenks, Oklahoma, a world-renowned football school that sends graduating seniors all across the country.
He led the nation in rushing while at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M Junior College before transferring to the Aggies in ’18.
Chiefs Kingdom has been spoiled when it comes to the running back position. From Christian Okoye to Marcus Allen, Priest Holmes to Larry Johnson, Jamaal Charles to Kareem Hunt, the Chiefs have primarily always had a force at the running back position. Sorry, Greg Hill. With the sudden departure of Hunt and the ongoing mess around Tyreek Hill, the Chiefs and their fans could use a feel-good story on offense
Thompson has the potential to be a very nice surprise at the running back position. He’s definitely a change of pace behind MVP Patrick Mahomes.
Thompson comes cheap, he also comes with zero pressure on him to be the man. That title can come to him naturally all on his own.