KC Chiefs: Sorting out the running back competition
By KC Proctor
Other contenders for roster spots
While the competition for RB1 will be fierce between CEH, RoJo, and McKinnon, they do not make up the full extent of the iron in the running back room. Derrick Gore showed flashes of greatness in 2021 and filled in as an occasional change-of-pace back quite well. He surely has his sights set on improving upon that showcase in ‘22, but his journey to cracking the roster will be a challenging one.
Veach went on the record before the draft claiming his belief in a 1,000-yard rushing UDFA in this 2022 class, and he brought in three players late: one in round seven, and another two undrafted—Isiah Pacheco (Rutgers), Jerrion Ealy (Ole Miss), and Tayon Fleet-Davis (Maryland).
Pacheco, while undersized, has great tape from Rutgers and played a notable and diverse role for the Scarlet Knights. He was a regular pass-catching threat, gained 4.3 yards per carry as a runner, and was a four-year captain. He will bring a great deal of energy and fuel to the competition in camp fighting for the third spot on the depth chart.
Ealy is a younger option who entered the draft following his junior campaign at Ole Miss. He rushed for an average of 5.8 yards per carry, was an even more consistent pass catcher than Pacheco, and scored 5 more times than his rookie counterpart with a full season less of playing time.
The Terp, Fleet-Davis, was a fifth-year senior at Maryland and seemed to hit his stride in 2021. He had career highs in carries (128), yards (721), receptions (32), and touchdowns (9) last year, and brings an intriguing skill set along with his 6-foot, 220-pound frame to Kansas City.
The competition between the rookies and Gore will be every bit as notable as the fight between the top three. As a matter of fact, whoever emerges from that secondary competition will likely have just as legitimate of an opportunity at the second position on the depth chart.