Grading the KC Chiefs position groups before the 2023 NFL Draft

Running backs: C

Hear me out before you start busting out your pitchforks and torches. Isiah Pacheco was a diamond in the rough type of pickup for Veach last year. Any player who evolves from a seventh-round snag to the starting back on a Super Bowl-winning team has the talent to succeed in this league. Pacheco’s combination of size, physicality, and speed should cement him as the bell cow for the 2023 campaign, but there’s little to speak of regarding the rest of the running back room.

The departures of Melvin Gordon, Michael Burton, and Ronald Jones, as well as Jerick McKinnon remaining a free agent, have left the Kansas City backfield nearly barren. The only remaining backs include Clyde Edwards-Helaire and La’Michal Perine. With Perine being a practice squad player and CEH expected to be traded or cut before the season, Pacheco is truly the only running back on the roster who brings anything to the table.

With this shallow position group, many Chiefs fans have been vocal about wanting to bring back McKinnon. Despite his 30-year-old status, his proven ability to catch touchdowns out of the backfield paired with his formidable pass-blocking abilities make him an attractive piece to bring back. It is worth noting that Brett Veach recently mentioned that discussions with both McKinnon and CEH would continue following the draft, which should ultimately determine their futures with the team.

Whether they will remain Chiefs going into next year remains a question, but regardless of the decision don’t be surprised if Veach pulls the trigger on another late-round running back this year.