On Monday, renowned sports analyst from Pro Football Focus, Thomas Valentine, released an insightful ranking of the NFL’s top running backs for the upcoming 2024 season. Leading the list were standout players like Christian McCaffrey of the San Francisco 49ers, Derrick Henry of the Baltimore Ravens, and Nick Chubb of the Cleveland Browns. Notably, Isiah Pacheco, the starting running back for the Kansas City Chiefs, found himself positioned firmly in the middle of the rankings, highlighting the competitive landscape for running backs this season.

15. Isiah Pacheco, Kansas City Chiefs

Isiah Pacheco runs with an intensity that suggests he’s challenging the very ground beneath him. As a seventh-round draft pick from 2023, he astoundingly rushed for 935 yards and scored 7 touchdowns, playing a pivotal role in leading the Chiefs to consecutive Super Bowl victories. His performance is a testament to his relentless drive and skill, making him a key asset for the team.

With an impressive average of 4.6 yards per carry, Pacheco achieved an outstanding 82.3 grade in 2023, showcasing his ability to break through defenses with 11 runs exceeding 15 yards. As the Chiefs continue their quest for football greatness, Pacheco is set to remain an invaluable weapon in their offensive strategy.

Understanding the Challenges Faced by Running Backs in Kansas City

Being a running back for the Kansas City Chiefs comes with its own set of challenges and expectations.

The legacy of legendary players like Christian Okoye, Priest Holmes, and Jamaal Charles looms large over current players. These icons are remembered not just for their individual skills but also for their ability to excel behind an offensive line that often deserves significant credit for their achievements. The high standards set by these players mean that any running back must navigate a landscape where even minor missteps can lead to harsh criticism from the passionate Chiefs fanbase.

Additionally, the coaching style of head coach Andy Reid presents unique hurdles. Reid’s strategic approach often means that running backs are utilized primarily when absolutely necessary, making it crucial for players to seize every opportunity they get on the field.

Clyde Edwards-Helaire, drafted as a first-round pick in 2020, faced an uphill battle from the start. The lofty expectations placed upon him, coupled with significant injury setbacks during his first three seasons, made it nearly impossible for him to meet the demands of Kansas City fans.

In contrast, Isiah Pacheco entered the scene under vastly different circumstances. Being a seventh-round pick in 2022, fan expectations were comparatively low, allowing him to thrive without the weight of overwhelming pressure. Consequently, Pacheco had the opportunity to demonstrate his skills and quickly become a fan favorite.

Pacheco’s rookie season was nothing short of impressive, as he outperformed Edwards-Helaire significantly. However, after experiencing notable declines in his performance metrics in 2023—with his success rate falling from 57.1 to 50.7 and yards per carry decreasing from 4.9 to 4.6—he has started to reveal the reality of being an average NFL running back.

This recent ranking underlines the prevailing sentiment: Pacheco is a valuable seventh-round pick who fulfills the necessary duties for Kansas City rather than emerging as a standout playmaker like Kareem Hunt. While it’s tempting to wish for a repeat of Hunt’s extraordinary production during the 2017-2018 seasons, the Chiefs have shown that they have different needs in their offensive strategy since then.

Interestingly, Valentine overlooked a crucial aspect of Pacheco’s performance in 2023: his PFF grade experienced a significant uptick from 74.6 to 82.3, primarily due to substantial improvements in ball security and pass protection—critical areas where Kansas City was seeking enhancement.