AFC West running back rankings: Are the Chiefs at the bottom?

3. The Kansas City Chiefs

Projected running backs: Damien Williams, Carlos Hyde, Darwin Thompson, Darrell Williams

The Chiefs have one of the most diverse backfields in 2019. They have speed, they have power, and they have pass catchers. What the Chiefs lack is a clear-cut number one running back. It seems that the Chiefs are destined to use all of their running backs at certain points and in certain situations. Their running back group will be among the most interesting groups to watch this season.

Damien Williams brings great speed (4.45 seconds in the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine) and the ability to do the little things, as well as catch the ball out of the backfield. The Chiefs liked his production last season and he is slated to be the number one back in 2019 after signing to be the team’s third down option.

Not far behind him are Carlos Hyde and Darwin Thompson. Thompson is a young back that has an opportunity to take over the starting role one day. With an excellent balance of speed and power, Thompson could be a very nice piece to the Chiefs explosive offense. Hyde, on the other hand, is a talented power back and has historically been good out of the shotgun formation.

While many are unsure of whether the Chiefs will carry four running backs, the final guy on the roster at running back is likely Darrell Williams, who has a lot of power and good contact balance. The Chiefs have plenty of options this season and I expect the team to use all of them.

Projected Stats:

Damien Williams: 187 carries, 4.4 avg, 823 rushing yards, 6 TDs. 42 receptions, 427 receiving yards, 4 TDs.

Darwin Thompson: 101 carries, 4.9 avg, 495 rushing yards, 6 TDs. 29 receptions, 329 receiving yards, 2 TDs

Carlos Hyde: 28 carries, 4.2 avg, 118 rushing yards, 1 TD. 15 receptions, 101 receiving yards, 0 TDs

Darrell Williams: 12 carries, 3.8 avg. 46 rushing yards, 2 TDs. 7 receptions, 41 receiving yards, 0 TDs.