Chiefs training camp: Sorting out a crowded running back position

#40 Derrick Gore

College: Louisiana-Monroe
Years Pro: 2 (27 years old)
Chance of Making the Roster: On the bubble

Derrick Gore burst onto the scene last season and made the most of limited opportunities. Entering year two, he may be one of the most intriguing players at training camp. Appearing in eleven games during the 2020-2021 season, Gore impressed with a five yards per carry stat line. In lieu of running back struggles throughout the year last season, some fans were ready to call on Gore to be the new lead back. This year, there is a legitimate shot he becomes a bigger part of the offense. There is also, however, a legitimate shot that he doesn’t make the final roster.

Gore is in his prime. Generally speaking, in a player’s second year, they are generally younger. Already at 27, Gore is the physical age of a veteran in his prime; mentally, he’s the level of a rookie. Gore will be a player to watch in training camp, particularly in his competition with Isiah Pacheco, Jerick McKinnon, and Jerrion Ealy. We will know what value the Chiefs place on Gore relatively early into training camp.

#10 Isiah Pacheco

College: Rutgers
Years Pro: Rookie (22 years old)
Chance of Making the Roster: On the bubble

Isiah Pacheco may become a training camp darling similar to the way that Noah Gray was treated last season or how Darwin Thompson was hyped in 2019. Pacheco has not played a down in the NFL, but his NFL intangibles and overall swagger make him an intriguing option, to say the least. Pacheco, in an interview with Chiefs media members, expressed that he would be “coming in the door and giving 120%.” He also stated a desire to “take another grown man’s job.” What was also notable about Pacheco’s post-draft comments was a willingness to play hard on special teams, which could be a determining factor in whether he makes the roster.

Pacheco is very interesting because of his relatively broad skillset. He has good hands, is a very good blocker, and can make defenders miss in the open field. He did not have overwhelming production in the Rutgers offensive scheme. That system was a pass-happy spread look. Pacheco was still very good in a limited capacity and has tremendous speed. It would not at all be surprising if Pacheco knocked off either/both Derrick Gore and Jerick McKinnon before the start of the regular season.

#29 Jerrion Ealy

College: Mississippi
Years Pro: Rookie (21 years old)
Chance of Making the Roster: On the bubble

With a skillset similar to that of former Chief De’Anthony Thomas or even Dexter McCluster, the Chiefs are giving Jerrion Ealy a shot to make the roster or to fill in on the practice squad. Ealy is a wide receiver and running back hybrid that Andy Reid has utilized in the past. While Ealy does not have elite speed, he is exceptional in space with his ability to make guys miss. Ealy may get a serious look as a returner. As Chiefs fans have grown to expect, a strong showing for special teams coordinator Dave Toub could solidify a roster spot.

Ealy is the type of boom-or-bust player that signing undrafted free agents is intended for. Ealy is a talented athlete with raw potential. He is generally not explosive but he can be used in a number of different roles, which bodes well for his chances of making the roster. With all of that in mind, the safe bet is that Ealy will be on the practice squad rather than defying the odds to beat Pacheco, McKinnon, or Gore.