Early 53-man roster predictions for the Kansas City Chiefs after the 2024 NFL Draft
By Matt Conner
RUNNING BACKS
Players: Isiah Pacheco, La'Mical Perine, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, TBD
This is the one position that had a clear need for some help from the NFL Draft that went completely unaffected. Thus any conversation around the running back position once again begins and ends with Isiah Pacheco, unless that is you're interested in discussing the more forgettable portions of the depth chart.
Pacheco is a solid offensive cog for the Chiefs, but he's a violent runner who tends to play banged up and had two shoulder surgeries alone in 2023. He's still a rookie, but how much can the Chiefs afford to lean on him when his productivity takes such a toll on the body? The Chiefs honestly needed someone else here to carry the load but that person has to be identified.
As for backups, the Chiefs brought back Edwards-Helaire as a well-rounded backup who is reliable in most facets of the game. Perine is a name who could be easily replaced except the Chiefs are already thin without him.
We're leaving one spot open here for someone to sign before the season begins. Otherwise, we're concerned.