The Kansas City Chiefs have successfully introduced several new offensive talents who have the potential to make a significant impact in their upcoming season. Leading this fresh wave of talent is wide receiver Hollywood Brown, whose dynamic skills and impressive athleticism provide a strong foundation for the team’s offensive strategy. These rookies, primarily untested at the professional level, possess remarkable attributes that the coaching staff is eager to develop further.

Among the running backs on the roster, the standout newcomer is Louis Rees-Zammit, a former Welsh rugby star who joins the ranks alongside two undrafted free agents. Although it may seem unlikely that he will secure regular backfield snaps to support Isiah Pacheco and Clyde Edwards-Helaire, his unique background and athletic prowess add depth to the team’s running game.

However, with the departure of former Kansas City running back Jerick McKinnon, there is a notable gap in the running back position that needs to be filled. This opens the door for another player to emerge and make a significant contribution. The leading candidate to seize this opportunity is Keaontay Ingram, a third-year player and former USC standout who previously appeared in 20 games before being released by the Arizona Cardinals in late November.

Upon joining the Chiefs’ practice squad, Ingram now has the chance to showcase his skills and prove he deserves a spot as the third running back on the depth chart. With McKinnon no longer in the mix, this is a crucial opportunity for him to establish himself as a reliable option for the team.

“I think that the running back position will be a battle,” said General Manager Brett Veach during a press conference following the NFL Draft. “It usually comes down to special teams and pass protection as a No. 3 here. I believe all these guys have characteristics we like, and now it’s just a matter of some of those guys creating a strong training camp… We have several players with talent — and now it’s simply about them stepping up to claim the position.”

Let’s delve deeper into what makes Ingram a compelling player in this competitive landscape.

Maximizing Fluidity as a Playmaker

Throughout his two seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, Ingram was not utilized as the primary ball carrier; his highest rushing attempts in a single game peaked at 10 against the Los Angeles Rams during Week 6 of the previous season. Ingram has recorded only three professional games with more than five rushing attempts, which limits his exposure and overall experience in high-pressure situations.

Despite this, Ingram’s fluid movements highlight how well he fits into zone running schemes. His ability to change direction quickly allows him to elude defenders and evade off-ball defenders attempting to mirror his movements through congestion.

In each of these rushing attempts, Ingram demonstrates patience as he approaches the line of scrimmage. When the pursuing linebacker overcommits, he accelerates outward—taking advantage of the blockers set in place for him. His success relies on identifying the optimal angles and generating explosive bursts from minimal footwork.

In these gap-running scenarios—where he follows pulling blockers—his ability to read the defense’s flow is evident. In the first scenario, when the designated area becomes congested, Ingram quickly adjusts his angle, using agility to maintain his speed as he progresses downfield.

In the second situation, Ingram misreads the pulling blocks; to capitalize on the leverage created by his teammate No. 76 against the linebacker, he should have maintained an outside route. Nevertheless, despite this miscalculation, Ingram demonstrates his resilience by slipping through contact and achieving a substantial gain.

Creating Opportunities After the Catch

Even though there were stretches when he served as the Cardinals’ passing-down back during critical moments of games, Ingram has only recorded a total of eight career receptions. This limited usage raises questions about his potential impact as a receiver.

Among his few receptions, two standout plays illustrate his ability to create opportunities following the catch. His remarkable open-field agility poses a challenge for defenders attempting to make one-on-one tackles. One notable highlight was a 24-yard gain against the New Orleans Saints during Week 7 of the 2022 season, marking one of his first touches in the NFL and only his second game on the active roster.

Since that moment, he has yet to record another significant play, but it is evident that he presents a challenging matchup for defenders trying to contain him. Even when tackled after receptions, he consistently manages to power through tackles, leveraging his above-average size to gain extra yards.

Assessing Blocking Skills and Potential

During the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine, Ingram measured in at 6 feet and 221 pounds, placing him in the 73rd percentile for his position. While this size benefits him when running with the ball, it also provides a solid foundation for his potential as a pass protector.

However, this size is only a starting point. In the two 2023 games I analyzed, there were limited instances of true pass protection, but the footage still showcases his physical presence. Even when Baltimore Ravens linebacker Patrick Queen worked around Ingram’s block, he held his ground sufficiently to push Queen back, allowing quarterback Joshua Dobbs to step up in the pocket.

While Ingram requires further development in his pass-blocking skills, his size and physical attributes suggest he has significant potential compared to many other running backs.

Evaluating Ingram’s Potential Impact on the Roster

Throughout his three seasons with the Chiefs, McKinnon exhibited skill sets that differed from the rest of the team’s running backs. His fluid rushing style was more refined than that of either Pacheco or Edwards-Helaire, particularly during passing situations where he appeared more relaxed and effective.

Ingram has a considerable journey ahead to fill the shoes of this seasoned veteran. Nevertheless, his unique strengths as a player bear a resemblance to the role McKinnon fulfilled within the Chiefs’ offensive scheme.

In fact, Ingram stands out as the only player on the roster who has showcased these specific abilities at the NFL level. His blend of agility and strength positions him as a promising candidate to secure the third spot on the depth chart.