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2022 NFL Draft: Five problem-solving running backs for the Chiefs

By Jacob Milham

Jan 23, 2022; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire (25) runs the ball against the Buffalo Bills during an AFC Divisional playoff football game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 23, 2022; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire (25) runs the ball against the Buffalo Bills during an AFC Divisional playoff football game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 16, 2021; Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack running back Zonovan Knight (7) runs the ball against the Boston College Eagles during the first half at Alumni Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 16, 2021; Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack running back Zonovan Knight (7) runs the ball against the Boston College Eagles during the first half at Alumni Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports /

North Carolina State’s Zonovan Knight

North Carolina State’s Zonovan “Bam” Knight is the biggest boom-or-bust prospect on this list.

Knight, a former three-star recruit, put up solid numbers during his time at North Carolina State. He recorded at least 700 rushing yards each season, totaling 2,286 yards and 18 touchdowns for his collegiate career. Those are not crazy numbers for a college running back, but respectable nonetheless. Knight was the leading back since his freshman season, and he met the expectations put on him.

For the “boom”, Knight has a great blend of size, speed, and quickness for the NFL level. Standing 5’10” and weighing in at 210 lbs., Knight has the frame for a three-down back. He also has exceptional footwork, allowing him to avoid tacklers and maximize his blockers. While largely untested as a receiver, Knight could grow into a solid receiver. He only had 48 catches at North Carolina State but flashed sure hands and a good catch radius. He still needs to develop for that role though.

Knight is also an exceptional kick returner. He received first-team All-ACC honors as a kick returner in 2021. He led the conference in average yards per kick return and kick return touchdowns in both 2020 and 2021, which is no small feat. No matter his development as a running back, Knight would provide immediate juice in the return game for any NFL team.

His bust potential all lies in his collegiate statistics. Especially in 2021, Knight would have multi-game stretches where he looked pedestrian. His games against Lousiville and Florida State were not what NFL scouts like to see from a prospect. His failures could easily be blamed on a struggling Wolfpack offensive scheme, but Knight did not do much to elevate the unit.

Knight is a hard player to project. He isn’t going to blaze past defenders, nor will he bowl over them. He is a finesse runner, with good cuts and anticipation of running lanes. The team that selects Knight will be taking a big chance.

Knight fits well with Kansas City for two reasons. First, he has that three-down back potential, something that the Chiefs could be looking for in their next running back. Secondly, Knight could work into the return game especially as wide receiver Mecole Hardman is entering his contract year. The Chiefs could bring Knight to develop for a year, then get a bigger role in his second year.

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