Kaytron Allen could dominate behind the Chiefs interior line

Do the Kansas City Chiefs have a big need at running back? Absolutely. Should they worry about roles and who is playing on what down right now? No. At this point, the Chiefs need to just start stacking talent at the position and figure out the rest later. Some of the top free-agent running backs, such as Kenneth Walker and Travis Etienne, profile as early-down runners who struggle in pass protection.

Well, some names in this draft class also profile similarly, such as Mike Washington and Kaytron Allen. The Chiefs can seek out a third-down back in free agency and maybe even bring back Kareem Hunt, who is a trusted pass protector and very good in short yardage.

That being said, the Chiefs shouldn't let running back talent go by them simply because those players don't profile as three-down backs. Most of the best running teams in the league employ a tandem of backs that play off each other's skill sets, but that doesn't mean they have to be total opposites either. Kaytron Allen does some really important things well and would be a force behind the Chiefs' athletic interior offensive line.

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NFL Draft Profile: Kaytron Allen, Running Back, Penn State

Age: 23 (on draft day)

Height: 5-11 (verified)

Weight: 220 LBS (verified)

Hand: 9.48 inches (verified)

Arms: 30 inches (verified)

Tape Exposure: Nebraska (2025), Oregon (2025), Rutgers (2025)

Shades of: Tyler Allgeier

Kaytron Allen's background

He initially attended Norview High School in Norfolk, Virginia, before transferring to the prestigious IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. Rated as a four-star prospect via 247Sports, he received offers from several high-level programs, including Alabama, Georgia, and Ohio State, before committing to Penn State. Allen played four years alongside running mate Nick Singleton. In total, Allen rushed for 4,180 yards and 39 touchdowns, adding another 490 receiving yards and four touchdowns in the passing game.

Kaytron Allen's strengths

Vision

Allen has an excellent ability to read and react to gaps and zones. He's patient and creative, finding cutback lanes and creating extra yards. He can be seen placing his hands on the backs of offensive linemen, guiding them and waiting for their blocks to engage.

Power

He has a natural low center of gravity and runs with low pad height, breaks through arm tackles consistently, and always keeps his feet churning. His 57 missed tackles forced rank second in the draft class behind Nebraska's Emmett Johnson. He is very effective in short yardage and at the goal line.

Scheme Versatile

Allen has almost a 50/50 split of zone and gap-scheme carries over his career. He has worked out of the shotgun, pistol, and from under center. He is a willing pass blocker as well.

Kaytron Allen's weaknesses

Lack of Burst

Allen lacks a top gear to break away from defenders and has several runs on tape that were almost touchdowns where he is caught from behind. His lateral agility is just alright, and his change-of-direction skills limit his explosive ability.

Passing Production

Allen was not asked to do much in the passing game as a route runner, mostly running screens and dump-offs in the flat. He averaged less than 1.5 receptions per game in his career.

Work Load and Role

For the most part, Allen has always been in a timeshare and has never been a true bell cow. He will likely be part of a timeshare at the next level as well. His lack of burst and limited passing profile will likely keep him in an early-down role.

Why Kaytron Allen feels like an underrated prospect

This running back class is not very good. There are names to like, but it's Jeremiyah Love and everyone else. There are not many backs in this class who project as true bell cows that can consistently take 20+ touches per game in the NFL. However, it feels like there are several players who could turn into meaningful contributors in the right situation.

Allen has tools that translate to almost any situation, as long as the offensive line can generate gaps for him. The Chiefs are a high-level fit for that reason. Add him as an early-down back to split time with a free-agent addition, and the Chiefs' ground game is dramatically improved.

Kaytron Allen is a productive, scheme-versatile running back with good size, vision, and patience, capable of executing both gap and zone concepts effectively. He runs with strong balance and a forward lean, powering through contact. He lacks true burst, breakaway speed, and lateral suddenness to consistently generate explosive plays. With limited third-down and receiving usage, he projects best as an early-down back.

Round Grade: Red Chip (Third-round grade)