Jeremiyah Love and 4 other prospects who could finally fix the Chiefs' running game

Last season, to say the Chiefs' running back room was a disappointment would be an understatement. In fact, Kansas City has not had a 1,000-yard rusher since before they drafted Patrick Mahomes in 2017, and now they are desperately looking to rebuild their middling rushing attack. In 2025, the Chiefs finished 25th in the NFL in total rushing yards with 1,812, and they have not broken the 2,000-yard mark in over a decade. Now the Chiefs head into the offseason with just one running back on the roster, and the whole world knows something has to change.

This offseason, Kansas City brought in a new but familiar offensive coordinator in Eric Bieniemy after three years away from the team. Bieniemy made stops with the Commanders, then UCLA, and last year was the running backs coach for the Chicago Bears. Last year, the Bears finished third in the NFL in rushing yards with 2,456, and the Chiefs hope he can bring some of those results with him as he returns to Kansas City. Before leaving Kansas City, the Chiefs made the playoffs every year Bieniemy was the offensive coordinator.

Kansas City made the playoffs for 10 consecutive years prior to 2025, and if they hope to get back on track, rebuilding the rushing attack feels key. Andy Reid's offenses have never been known for their rushing volume; rather, they've been known for efficiency in the run game and translating that into the pass game. The Chiefs know they have an incredibly strong offensive line; it now just becomes a matter of having the running back room to make it happen. Brashard Smith (2025 seventh-round pick) will be the only running back on the roster, and the Chiefs will look to the draft to get him some help in the backfield.

The first round option: Jeremiyah Love

A draft darling across the Chiefs community, many fans are banging the drum for the Chiefs to take him ninth overall. Since his 1,000-yard season with Notre Dame in 2024, analysts have raved about Love, and with the struggles of the Chiefs' running back room, many fans feel taking him ninth is a match made in heaven. This sentiment has carried across the draft community, and fans who do not know what to do with the Chiefs' pick at nine can assume Jeremiyah Love will be penciled in.

As far as potential picks for the Chiefs at No. 9, Love is far from the worst option, as he has proven to be far and away the best back in the 2026 class. He has earned some hasty comparisons, with people comparing him to the likes of Alvin Kamara or even Saquon Barkley. Love has been deemed the running back in the 2026 draft, and like Ashton Jeanty, he will likely hear his name called in the top 10 of this year's class. The Chiefs may have bigger needs than running back in the draft, but it is hard to argue with Love's talent and results.

The wrecking ball: Jonah Coleman

One of the biggest debates surrounding the 2026 NFL Draft is who the RB2 is. In my estimation, Jonah Coleman takes the cake. Coleman is a true "bell-cow" running back, logging over 125 carries in each of his last three seasons between Arizona and Washington. Coleman was a 1,000-yard rusher for the Huskies in 2024 and has logged over 1,000 yards from scrimmage in each of his last three seasons. He has also proven to be effective on the goal line, putting up 25 rushing touchdowns over his two seasons with Washington.

Coleman is a straight-up tank, coming in at 5'9" and a legit 225 pounds. He is one of the hardest players in this year's draft to bring down because of his low center of gravity and ability to absorb contact. He is a strong fit in the Chiefs' offense, as he has proven to be a somewhat reliable receiver while also being maybe the best pass-blocking back in the class. Andy Reid has almost always had running backs who are under 6'0", and Coleman would certainly fit the mold.

The day two athlete: Mike Washington Jr.

One of the fastest risers in this year's class has been Arkansas running back Mike Washington Jr., who blew scouts away with a 4.33-second time in the 40-yard dash at the Combine. A fifth-year senior, Washington has only gotten better with age and, despite moving up the competition ladder, has continued to be incredibly productive. Coming out of high school, Washington was just a two-star recruit, and when he committed to Buffalo, he knew it would be a tough road to the NFL.

Washington seemed to be on pace to break onto the scene as a sophomore after he went for 625 yards and seven touchdowns. But a setback as a junior made it hard for him to find the field again, and he chose to transfer to New Mexico State. There, he seemed to come alive again, going for 725 yards and eight touchdowns, and for his final season of eligibility, he chose to hit the portal one final time. Washington landed at Arkansas, where he blew up, going for over 1,000 yards and eight touchdowns.

At the Senior Bowl, Washington was clocked at 21 mph despite weighing in around 6'0", 230 pounds. His ability to move at that weight, combined with his incredible production at the SEC level, has scouts giddy about what Washington could provide in the NFL. We know the Chiefs love speed, and when you combine that with Washington's experience and production, he feels like a very strong fit in Kansas City.

The small school option: Robert Henry Jr.

It feels like every year there is a small-school running back who slips into the later rounds of the draft and immediately becomes an impact player that no one saw coming. Let it be known, I am planting my flag on Robert Henry Jr., who I think is the best non-Power Four running back in this class and currently grades as my RB5. Henry is an elite athlete who has played football, basketball, and track, where he competed as a sprinter and in the long jump throughout high school. Despite this, Henry went somewhat unrecognized after high school and decided to start his career at the JUCO level, where he began to get serious attention.

Henry then made his way to UTSA, where his football career took off. He became an immediate starter and has had an incredible three-year career with the Roadrunners. He was able to amass over 400 carries while also totaling 2,339 yards and 27 touchdowns, proving he could be a true "workhorse" back. At the Shrine Bowl, Henry flashed and appeared to be the best back, showing off his incredible athleticism and diverse skill set. If the Chiefs do not see the running back value they want early in the draft, Henry could be one of the biggest steals in this year's running back class.

The "do-it-all" veteran fit: Roman Hemby

Okay, admittedly, there may be a bit of bias in including Roman Hemby on this list, but hear me out. As a college student at the University of Maryland, it was hard not to know the name Roman Hemby if you even remotely kept up with sports. While a student there, I not only had the pleasure of meeting Roman but was also his classmate in 2024 before his transfer to Indiana. Anyone who has been to a big school knows the reputation athletes hold, especially in the classroom. With all the attention and popularity, it is easy for someone to lose themselves, but from firsthand experience, I can say that Roman was one of the kindest, most diligent students I have ever met.

He was in class every day, was never too big to talk to others, and made sure to do his part in any group assignment. Anyone who has heard the name knows what Hemby has done on the football field. He was on pace to become one of the five leading rushers in Maryland history before he was forced out by the coaching staff at his home school. Despite the abrupt change, Hemby played a major role, going for over 1,100 yards on an Indiana team that won the national championship against all odds.

Hemby's production and athletic tools are enough to make him a mid- to late-round NFL draft pick, but his humble, hard-working nature gives me confidence that he will be a strong NFL running back. As an athlete, Hemby has great speed on the field and was clocked at the Combine running a 4.39-second 40-yard dash. He is a bit tall and often runs high, which gives him some trouble shedding contact between the tackles. But despite this, Hemby is an exceptional receiver and has improved as a pass blocker, making him a strong fit in Kansas City if they get their hands on him late in the draft.