The Kansas City Chiefs had a successful season last year, but it wasn’t without its challenges. One of the biggest obstacles they faced was the injury to their star running back, Isiah Pacheco. Pacheco’s broken leg limited him to just seven games, leaving the Chiefs with a patchwork backfield. However, this adversity also provided an opportunity for other players to step up and prove their worth.
Kareem Hunt and Carson Steele were two players who rose to the occasion and helped shoulder the workload in Pacheco’s absence. Hunt, a third-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, had a breakout season with 1,327 rushing yards and eight touchdowns. Steele, a redshirt freshman, also made a significant impact with 624 rushing yards and five touchdowns.
But now, with Pacheco fully recovered and ready to return to the field, the Chiefs have the potential to upgrade their backfield even further. Analysts have identified two potential options that could take the Chiefs’ running game to the next level.
The first option is to bring in a veteran running back through free agency. One name that has been mentioned is Le’Veon Bell, who was recently released by the New York Jets. Bell is a proven playmaker with over 6,000 career rushing yards and 38 touchdowns. He also has experience playing in a high-powered offense, having spent the majority of his career with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Adding Bell to the Chiefs’ backfield would give them a dynamic one-two punch with Pacheco. Bell’s ability to catch passes out of the backfield would also add another dimension to the Chiefs’ already explosive offense. With quarterback Patrick Mahomes leading the way, the Chiefs could have one of the most dangerous offenses in the league.
The second option for the Chiefs is to draft a running back in the upcoming NFL Draft. This year’s draft class is stacked with talented running backs, and the Chiefs have the 31st overall pick. One name that has been linked to the Chiefs is Najee Harris from the University of Alabama. Harris is a versatile back who can run, catch, and block, making him a perfect fit for the Chiefs’ offense.
Harris had a standout season for the Crimson Tide, rushing for 1,466 yards and 26 touchdowns. He also showed his receiving skills with 43 receptions for 425 yards and four touchdowns. With his size, speed, and agility, Harris could be a game-changer for the Chiefs and provide them with a long-term solution at the running back position.
Both of these options would be significant upgrades for the Chiefs’ backfield and could take their offense to new heights. Pacheco’s return will undoubtedly provide a boost, but adding a veteran like Bell or a rookie like Harris would give the Chiefs even more firepower.
In addition to the potential upgrades, the Chiefs also have a solid group of young running backs waiting in the wings. Darrel Williams and Darwin Thompson both showed flashes of potential last season and could continue to develop into reliable options for the Chiefs.
Overall, the Chiefs have a lot of options to consider when it comes to upgrading their backfield. Whether they choose to bring in a veteran or draft a rookie, one thing is for sure – the Chiefs’ running game is in good hands. With Pacheco leading the way and the potential addition of another playmaker, the Chiefs’ backfield could be one of the most formidable in the league.
In conclusion, the Kansas City Chiefs had to overcome a significant setback last season with Isiah Pacheco’s injury. However, this adversity also provided an opportunity for other players to step up and prove themselves. With Pacheco now healthy and ready to return, the Chiefs have the potential to upgrade their backfield even further. Whether it’s through free agency or the draft, the Chiefs have the pieces in place to create a dominant running game. And with their high-powered offense, the Chiefs could be a force to be reckoned with in the upcoming season.
