Today, we take a look at the talented running back class and a player that the Chiefs could take from that group in each round. Who’s available? We discuss.
With the draft season in full swing, it is time to start looking at position groups. Today, we start the first installment of a series about potential positions of need and the players within that position that the Kansas City Chiefs could take in each of the seven rounds of the draft. In today’s installation, we look at the ever-so-divisive position of running back.
The Chiefs have not been afraid to take a running back early. While the selection of Clyde Edwards-Helaire did not work out in the way that they had planned, the Chiefs are certainly not opposed to taking running backs at any level of the draft. Without further ado, let’s take a look at a running back that the Chiefs could draft in every round of this year’s draft, starting with round one.
Round 1: Jahmyr Gibbs, Alabama
Let’s all be honest, if the Chiefs draft a running back in the first round, Kansas City may go up into flames in a full-on riot. After the selection of Clyde Edwards-Helaire has not panned out, it would bring back nightmares of old that none of us are ready to deal with. With all of that in mind, Jahmyr Gibbs is an intensely fun prospect.
Gibbs is not quite on the same level as Bijan Robinson. I would anticipate Robinson being gone by the time the Chiefs make their first selection. Gibbs would bring a different skill set than they currently have in the running back room. Gibbs is a tremendous home run threat; Both in his ability to be a receiver and his ability in the open field.
If Gibbs is utilized correctly, he would be what the Chiefs were hoping to get out of Clyde Edwards-Helaire. But again, no one wants the Chiefs to draft a first-round running back, except for maybe Jahmyr Gibbs, himself.
Round 2: Zach Charbonnet, UCLA
The second round is also probably a little earlier than anyone would like the Chiefs to take a running back. The last time the Chiefs selected a running back in the second round was when they drafted Donnell Bennett in 1994. At the very least a 2nd round running back would be historical. Zach Charbonnet might be a steal in the second round.
Charbonnet might be gone before the Chiefs select, but his physicality would be a welcomed addition to the red zone offense which always seems to struggle to gain the few inches that they need on the ground. It seems as though he bounces off would-be tacklers and gains the extra yards at the sticks. While he is not as flashy as Jahmyr Gibbs or Bijan Robinson, he is a very capable runner.
Round 3: Tyjae Spears, Tulane
Some of the Chiefs’ best running back selections have come in the 3rd round. Jamaal Charles and Kareem Hunt come to mind as the most recent running back selections in that round. Could they find another gem of a running back in the 3rd this year? Look no further than Tyjae Spears.
Spears grabbed national attention when he put on a clinic at the Senior Bowl and its practices. While he has a smaller frame, he is as shifty as any player in this class. It seems rare that the first tackler gets him down. With some room to develop, Spears might be a steal for anyone in the third round.
Round 4: Zach Evans, Ole Miss
I would think that the fourth round would be the earliest that most Chiefs fans would feel comfortable with the Chiefs spending a draft pick on a running back. One of the most underrated running backs in this class is Zach Evans, who Kansas City could steal in the 4th.
Evans is not known to be much of a pass-catcher, but he possesses great speed and power. With his ability to seemingly always fall forward for extra yards. Evans is both quick in tight spaces and difficult to tackle because of his powerful lower half. With tremendous contact balance, Evans could be an excellent rusher in Kansas City.
Round 5: DeWayne McBride, UAB
One of my personal favorites in this class is DeWayne McBride. If this were the 1980s, McBride would be in consideration for a first-round pick. He is certainly not a new-age running back. He does not move at a top rate of speed and he is somewhat limited in the passing game. He is, however, one of the most powerful backs in this draft class.
With a similar skillset to that of David Montgomery, McBride is very difficult to bring down. He runs with a physicality that the Chiefs could certainly use in short-yardage situations. McBride could quickly find a role in Kansas City and he could take over the bulk of the snaps if he reaches his potential.
Round 6: Deuce Vaughn, Kansas State
A local fan favorite, Kansas State running back Deuce Vaughn has drawn comparisons to Darren Sproles, another Kansas State legend. While Vaughn is not built to be a full-time running back, he would make for a very interesting piece of the offense. Despite a smaller frame, Vaughn is incredibly quick and would be an immediate asset to the special teams unit.
While Vaughn’s frame would not be one to take constant punishment, he could manage five to six carries a game. He could also be very good in the passing game. With good speed and quickness, Vaughn could make an impact as a home run threat that could replace the skillset of Mecole Hardman.
Round 7: Xazavian Valladay, Arizona State
Xazavian Valladay is an intriguing change of pace back. While he is not overly powerful, his speed is undeniable. With some work on his run style and pad level, Valladay could develop into an asset on offense. While the Chiefs would be taking a gamble and betting on the upside, Valladay may just be worth the 7th round investment.