Kansas City Chiefs' general manager Brett Veach is going to pursue nearly every aisle in the NFL's supermarket this offseason, whether through free agency or the 2026 NFL Draft. But fans are expecting Veach to linger for quite some time to study the running backs on the shelf.
The Chiefs are getting a head start on the draft with an up-close-and-personal glimpse of NFL prospects at this year's East-West Shrine Bowl. One such player garnering attention is Wake Forest running back Demond Claiborne.
NFL draft analyst Ryan Fowler posted that the Chiefs are among the handful of teams spending time with Claiborne early in the pre-draft scouting process. Fowler described the Chiefs and Washington Commanders as teams giving him "heavy attention" while mentioning the Green Bay Packers, L.A. Chargers, New Orleans Saints, and Miami Dolphins as other teams showing interest.
Claiborne was a second-team All-ACC performer this season for the Demon Deacons, posting an impressive 5.1 yards/carry average with totals of 179 carries for 907 yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground. He broke the 1K-barrier last year (1,079) with another 11 TDs, giving him a strong base of production coming into the NFL over the last two seasons.
The Chiefs are doing early homework on Wake Forest running back Demond Claiborne at the East-West Shrine Bowl
Claiborne caught 51 passes over the last two years, so there's some experience there. While he was moved away from return duties in his final season at Wake Forest, Claiborne was a primary kick returner in his previous two seasons, which provides him a bit of an edge on draft boards seeking well-rounded players who are special teams assets as well as plus depth pieces.
The Chiefs have Brashard Smith set to return next season and nothing else on the roster. Isiah Pacheco is a free agent, as is Kareem Hunt. Both players are potential returnees on one-year deals, but the team has room for as many as three imports at the position knowing just how thin the roster feels at this juncture. In fact, it's likely the Chiefs take swings in both FA and the draft knowing how great the need is for short- and long-term talent.
Mal Kiper Jr. recently listed Claiborne as his No. 8 overall running back in the draft class, although things are early, and testing numbers at the NFL Combine and individual pro days will alter things there. But Claiborne is clearly lurking in the ranks, ready to make his move up draft boards. Several teams have already gotten a head start, including the Chiefs, as they put together their grades for the class of '26.