Reflecting on my previous analysis, I’m once again considering the top 10 crucial challenges facing the Kansas City Chiefs as we approach the 2024 season.

Let’s dive right in!

Assessing the Depth of the Chiefs’ Running Back Position for 2024

Kansas City has successfully unearthed a wellspring of talent from its running backs over the last two seasons, showcasing their ability to identify and develop players in this critical position.

In 2022, the franchise made a strategic choice by selecting Rutgers running back Isiah Pacheco in the seventh round of the NFL Draft. While it’s common for late-round picks to be hit-or-miss, Pacheco has emerged as a shining exception. His performance has turned heads and brought unexpected value to the Chiefs’ offensive strategy.

Prior to Pacheco’s arrival, the running back position wasn’t a noted strength for the Chiefs. Although Clyde Edwards-Helaire flashed potential during the 2021 postseason, his inability to maintain consistent health and deliver high-quality performances raised red flags. Additionally, Jerick McKinnon had a commendable finish to the 2021 season with impressive stats, but as he approached his age-30 season, concerns about his injury history made the team wary of relying on him as a lead back for another lengthy campaign.

As Pacheco found his rhythm, he initially had limited opportunities, totaling just 44 carries in his first eight games. However, he ended the regular season with a robust tally of 126 carries for 633 yards (averaging 5.0 yards per carry) and four touchdowns, solidifying his role as the primary running back. In the championship games, he continued to shine, contributing 37 carries for 197 yards and an additional touchdown, clearly establishing himself as the team’s top option.

In the 2023 season, Pacheco further demonstrated his capability by amassing 205 carries for 935 yards (averaging 4.6 yards per carry) and scoring seven touchdowns over 14 games. Not only did he excel on the ground, but he also expanded his role in the passing game, recording 44 receptions for 244 yards and two touchdowns, showcasing his versatility and value to the team.

Despite his impressive contributions, there are lingering concerns about the depth behind him. While Pacheco brings a mix of speed and physicality that the Chiefs have needed since the departure of Kareem Hunt in 2018, there is a concerning lack of reliable backup options. Kansas City has re-signed Edwards-Helaire on a one-year deal and added former Arizona Cardinals running back Keaontay Ingram. However, the depth chart also features several unproven players: Deneric Prince, Carson Steele, Emani Bailey, and Louis Rees-Zammit.

The two veterans leave a lot to be desired. In 2023, Edwards-Helaire only managed to produce 223 yards on 70 carries, a disappointing average of 3.2 yards per carry. Although he contributed as a receiver with 17 catches for 188 yards and a touchdown, he has struggled to return to his previous elite form from his time at LSU. Ingram, during his time with the Cardinals, averaged a mere 2.2 yards per carry on 62 attempts, plus adding eight receptions for 47 yards, which raises doubts about his potential impact.

This situation is particularly critical, as Pacheco’s physical playing style raises the risk of injury. His willingness to engage in hard contact can lead to wear and tear, increasing the likelihood of missing games. Last season, Pacheco underwent shoulder surgery, which required cleanup work, and he subsequently missed two games in 2023 due to a shoulder issue.

So, are the Chiefs adequately equipped with enough depth at running back? In the event that Pacheco is sidelined, who will be prepared to shoulder the workload? If Edwards-Helaire falters, can any of the other players on the depth chart step up to fill the void? After a lackluster performance in the 2023 preseason, can Deneric Prince emerge as a viable backup option?

As we look towards the upcoming draft, I had hoped to see the Chiefs prioritize the acquisition of another running back. However, the team opted for a different strategy. While concerns about running back depth remain valid, there is still time for the franchise to explore additional options. It will be intriguing to observe how the running back situation evolves as we head into the 2024 season.