There is a lot of hype for the Kansas City Chiefs entering the 2022 season after a very strong draft that received very high praise from a lot of the national media. But there may be one draft pick who could shine and make a lot of noise as a rookie.
Running back Isiah Pacheco is a gifted running back who the Chiefs took in the seventh round out of Rutgers. Pacheco ran the fastest 40-time of any running back at the NFL Combine at 4.37 seconds alongside Patriots running back Pierre Strong Jr., who was drafted out of South Dakota State. Pacheco has great breakaway speed and possesses the ability to burst on the outside for big runs.
Isiah Pacheco may have been a seventh-round draft pick and nearly went undrafted. But he will prove to be better if given the chance.
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein scouted Pacheco and said he has “rapid-fire feet” and described him as a running back who “plays the game like a race car with no brakes.”
However, Pacheco’s numbers in college weren’t great as a senior. He averaged 3.9 yards per carry and caught just 13 passes for 25 yards. Those probably played a big factor as to why he was drafted in the seventh round and nearly went undrafted as he was taken with the 251st pick, the 12th-to-last pick in the draft.
That begs the question as to why the Chiefs drafted him and how could he serve as a secret weapon for the Chiefs in 2022. It’s simple. He fits Andy Reid’s offensive style because of his speed..
Reid will find ways to utilize Pacheco’s speed. Don’t forget, the majority of running backs who have played under Reid and have played significant snaps have done very well in the NFL. Reid has always found ways for running backs to contribute and even thrive at times. He has an opportunity to do that with Pacheco.
Reid is known for helping players play above their potential when given the chance. Under Reid’s system, Pacheco could do some lethal damage on opposing defenses. Don’t be surprised if special teams coordinator Dave Toub tries to use him as a return specialist.
Pacheco may have been drafted late, but if he gets an opportunity to get involved and be active as a rookie, whether on offense and/or special teams, he will have a chance to prove that he should have been drafted sooner.