The Need For Speed: Isiah Pacheco Brings New Pace To KC Backfield

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Andy Reid has enjoyed many different styles of running backs within his offense over the years. Just in Kansas City, the Chiefs have had their fair mix of speed, power and elusiveness at the position under Coach Reid. Some runners incorporate all of those attributes into their entire individual game. Meanwhile, others are known for just one trait over the others.

Heading into the 2022 NFL Draft, Kansas City certainly had the combination of power and elusiveness down with Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Ronald Jones. Yet, the Chiefs were missing that key speed component. That was especially true, as Jerick McKinnon remained unsigned. Late in the draft, they found a new speed demon, so to speak, by selecting Isiah Pacheco out of Rutgers.

While the Chiefs hoped to lean on the run game a bit more last season, inconsistent results and injuries marred any possible progress. At the same time, the future of the backfield looks uncertain in Kansas City. Perhaps, the change of pace and infusion of Pacheco could give the Chiefs a new direction in that area moving forward.

One Of Draft’s Fastest RBs

The 40-yard dash was a point in the pre-draft process where Isiah Pacheco truly turned some heads. His explosive and blazing run in Indianapolis was definitely something that caught some people off guard. In fact, his 40-yard dash time of 4.37 seconds was tied with South Dakota State’s Pierre Strong for the fastest 40-yard dash time among running backs at the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine.

A speed test in shorts is much different for Pacheco, than it is for him when wearing pads. Nonetheless, the Rutgers’ running back has quickness that translates and pops off of the screen even greater throughout his game tape. He not only runs with nimble footwork, but Pacheco provides a tough, determined running style. Simply put, the speed of this running back is more than just numbers on a stopwatch.

Isiah Pacheco purely does everything with explosiveness. He is difficult for defenders to corral. He is challenging for defenders to bring down, once they lay a hand on him. Moreover, Pacheco is incredibly hard to attempt to catch from behind if he hits the open field. This ball carrier adds energy and juice to the running game. As a result, Kansas City may be looking to hit on numerous explosive plays, due to the newfound pace and speed of Isiah Pacheco.

Can Pacheco Make Immediate Impact?

So, how will that top trait translate to the early NFL career of Isiah Pacheco? The amount of playing time that he could immediately assume with the Chiefs is largely uncertain, to say the least. Especially as a seventh-round pick, Pacheco will be battling an aforementioned first-round pick and a new free agent signee. On the other hand, even Derrick Gore occasionally flashed throughout crucial moments last season.

Is the clearest path to his playing time in year one solely based on that change of pace? If so, it is important to note the other top features of Pacheco’s game. His stout build (5’11”, 215 pounds) can aid him in making defenders miss. Pacheco has arguably the most sturdy contact balance of the Chiefs running backs, to boot. If not, it is right up there with Edwards-Helaire. Finally, he may be a perfect fit for the dangerous screen passing game of Coach Reid.

All in all, there is surely a chance that Pacheco has to make an immediate impact in the Kansas City offense. The explosive gains may come in short spurts. However, the ball carrier brings home run hitting ability to the fold. Pacheco may even get new opportunities on special teams.

How Will Kansas City Balance Backfield?

How will Kansas City balance their backfield in 2022? One would likely expect a slight split between Edwards-Helaire and Jones. Items like down and distance, field position and the current score may give one of those guys the upper hand over the other. Plus, both of CEH and Jones are looking to prove themselves in 2022. A strong third season could prolong the run of Edwards-Helaire in Kansas City. Meanwhile, Jones could cash in once he returns to free agency next offseason, if he hits a boom with the Chiefs.

There has also been a fresh alteration of Coach Reid, when it comes to his running back usage. Roles have often been largely defined with him. But in recent years, he has been more willing to ride the hot hand in crucial moments. We saw that in the playoffs last year with the aforementioned McKinnon, after he was hardly used in the regular season. Perhaps for Isiah Pacheco, his ability to hit on big gains could allow him to stake his claim. His speed will also be something that will give him a leg up on the other competitors in the Chiefs backfield.

Be on the lookout for more FPC Chiefs articles throughout this week. For more great sports and NFL content, stay tuned to Full Press Coverage.

– Braden Holecek is the Kansas City Chiefs managing editor for Full Press Coverage. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @ebearcat9//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js Follow @FPC_Chiefs//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js and Facebook.