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2023 NFL Draft crushes for the Kansas City Chiefs

By Lyle Graversen

NORMAN, OK - NOVEMBER 20: Wide receiver Marvin Mims #17 of the Oklahoma Sooners points for a first down after making a 22-yard catch to the 12-yard line against the Iowa State Cyclones in the third quarter at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on November 20, 2021 in Norman, Oklahoma. The Sooners won 28-21. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
NORMAN, OK - NOVEMBER 20: Wide receiver Marvin Mims #17 of the Oklahoma Sooners points for a first down after making a 22-yard catch to the 12-yard line against the Iowa State Cyclones in the third quarter at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on November 20, 2021 in Norman, Oklahoma. The Sooners won 28-21. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) /
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AUSTIN, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 13: Roschon Johnson #2 of the Texas Longhorns gives a stiff arm to Kenny Logan Jr. #1 of the Kansas Jayhawks in the second half at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on November 13, 2021 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
AUSTIN, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 13: Roschon Johnson #2 of the Texas Longhorns gives a stiff arm to Kenny Logan Jr. #1 of the Kansas Jayhawks in the second half at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on November 13, 2021 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /

Running Back Draft Crushes

Roschon Johnson – Texas – 6’0″ – 219 lbs – 4.58 forty

While most of the collected football world is fawning over Texas running back Bijan Robinson, I actually think his backup, Roschon Johnson, is my clear favorite option for the Chiefs. First and foremost, I just think Johnson is a really good back, and had he not had Bijan in front of him at Texas, he’d probably be viewed as one of the clear top backs in this class. He’s a running back that wins with power and vision between the tackles, but he can also play on third down. His long speed isn’t elite, but he’s a slasher that hits the hole quickly after making one cut.

The reason I think Johnson is perfect for KC is that he fills all the roles they need with one person. Johnson could be Isiah Pacheco’s backup as the primary ball carrier. He can also be the short-yardage and goal-line back. He can also be a replacement for Jerick McKinnon as the third down back thanks to his good pass-blocking skills and hands out of the backfield. His presence would allow them to need less active running backs on game days and allow them to have depth available elsewhere.

Deuce Vaughn – Kansas State – 5’5″ – 179 lbs – 4.56 forty

I was just going to have Johnson as my running back crush, but I couldn’t resist putting Deuce Vaughn on as well. He’s just so fun to watch work. He’s literally the shortest prospect I’ve ever watched, but he still plays with great power. I don’t know that I think he checks every box the way Johnson does, but I trust that Andy Reid could find a way to get him the ball in space and let him loose.

Hunter Luepke – North Dakota State – 6’1″ – 230 lbs – 4.58 forty (Fullback)

Hunter Luepke is probably my favorite late-round prospect for the Chiefs. He’s a Swiss army knife player who can fill KC’s vacant fullback spot, but can also be a true short-yardage back and line up in the slot and catch passes as an H-back/tight end. With a more traditional fullback becoming more and more obsolete in today’s NFL, a player like Luepke can keep that option available while offering the versatility to do other things (including special teams) as well. Look at what a legit pass catcher he is in the tweet below.

Now let’s look at some wide receivers.

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