The 3 2026 running back prospects who might finally give Mahomes real help

The Kansas City Chiefs have remained a model of consistency under head coach Andy Reid, but one position continues to lack a long-term answer: running back

Isiah Pacheco has been a fine contributor, and rookie Brashard Smith is a versatile athlete, but the offense hasn’t had a true every-down difference-maker since Kareem Hunt’s early years. Smith is also the only running back under contract in 2026.

Looking ahead to the 2026 NFL Draft, here are three ball-carriers, one projected to be taken each day, who could give Kansas City the backfield threat it’s been missing, and another weapon for Reid to deploy.

Day One: Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame

If Kansas City somehow finds itself in a position to grab Love, it would be one of the steals of the draft as the Notre Dame star is the premier back in the 2026 class and a likely top-15 selection.

At 6-foot-flat, 205 pounds, Love blends brute strength with rare acceleration and balance.

Love runs with the authority to finish through tacklers, yet has the lateral quickness to sidestep defenders in tight quarters. His ability to win between the tackles and explode outside gives him a complete, every-down skill set that few backs possess.

In Kansas City’s ever-changing scheme, Love’s blend of physicality, patience, and open-field burst would give Mahomes and Reid a multi-dimensional playmaker capable of taking pressure off the passing game.

He’s the type of back who could immediately elevate an already elite offense.

Day Two: Nick Singleton, Penn State

Penn State’s Singleton is one of the more polarizing runners in this class, but the upside is undeniable.

A former five-star recruit, Singleton is built like an NFL bell cow at 225 pounds and has the power-speed combination that pops on tape.

While Penn State’s 2025 campaign has fallen drastically short of expectations, Singleton has continued to flash the traits that made him a national recruit: explosive one-cut ability, long-striding acceleration, and top-tier contact balance.

Still just 20 years old, he has the physical maturity and experience to transition quickly to the pro game. His downhill style and inside-running vision would give the Chiefs a reliable early-down presence, while his burst through the second level adds big-play potential.

In the cold-weather grind of the AFC West, Singleton’s physicality and style would fit Kansas City’s late-season identity, as well.

Day Three: Darius Taylor, Minnesota

If the Chiefs wait until day three to add to the position room, Darius Taylor out of Minnesota makes a ton of sense. The 215-pound runner has remained the focal point of the Golden Gophers’ offense for a few seasons now as a true workhorse who carries the unit each week.

Taylor isn’t flashy, but he’s efficient, durable, and consistently productive. He thrives in gap and zone concepts alike, with the vision to press the line and the patience to find creases.

The primary concern will be mileage, as he’s handled a heavy workload throughout college, but that also speaks to his toughness and reliability. For a team that doesn’t want to invest premium draft capital but still values strong depth and physicality, Taylor offers immediate special teams and rotational value with RB2 upside down the line.

Overall, the Chiefs don’t need a complete offensive overhaul, just a running back who can complement Mahomes and keep defenses honest. Whether it’s a top-tier playmaker like Love, a power-speed blend in Singleton, or a late-round grinder like Taylor, the 2026 class offers options that could add pop to Kansas City’s ground game.