2023 NFL Draft: Running Back Names To Know As Chiefs Fits

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The Kansas City Chiefs will likely enter the 2023 NFL Draft with much more focus on the offensive tackle, defensive line and wide receiver prospects. However, the running back position is a spot that Kansas City could address by adding more depth. Isiah Pacheco ran away with the starting job and did not look back in the second half of last season. As a rookie, he would go on to finish with 830 rushing yards on 170 carries with five rushing touchdowns in the regular season. Obviously, that comes despite him not securing the starting role until around the beginning of November. Pacheco would go on to add 197 rushing yards on 37 carries with one rushing touchdown in the postseason. Even with that success, another running back option could be beneficial to the Chiefs moving forward.

Let’s dive into six possible fits for the Kansas City Chiefs at the running back position in this upcoming 2023 NFL Draft. Overall, these are names that flash potential with their film or traits. These are names that could be flying under the radar, though. In fact, all of these names to know are more likely to be selected on day three of the draft. Let’s kick it off.

Kendre Miller- TCU

There is so much to like about Kendre Miller as a running back. From the handoff, his wisdom proves to be beyond his years, as the patience and vision is on display instantly. He lets blockers take their time to get set up. As a result, Miller can pick and choose his spots, waiting for the big hole to develop. Add in his body control, contact balance and elusiveness, and Miller can make defenders miss in a variety of ways. There appears to be some limitations to his athletic profile. However, the TCU product can be productive in a ton of different ways.

Israel Abanikanda- Pitt

It feels somewhat weird to think that Israel Abanikanda is flying under the radar. Yet, we know that even in a deeper running back class, NFL teams will have no problem in waiting to add another rusher. Abanikanda led the ACC in rushing in 2022, breaking out in the Pitt Panthers offense. Given his size and compact upper half, the long speed and overall burst of Abanikanda are truly special. Having that speed is one thing. But, to already be wise enough to alter his running tempo is another item that could benefit him greatly when entering the NFL. All in all, it feels like Abanikanda still has some of his best football left ahead of him. Could that be inside of the Chiefs running back room?

Chase Brown- Illinois

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Chase Brown was one of the more exciting running backs to watch during the 2022 season. Ideally, this player is probably not as scheme versatile as some other running backs in this class. Brown could be productive with a heavy workload in the right system, nonetheless. His burst may not be elite as a runner. However, Brown is almost sneaky in how he sets up his explosive cuts and long speed. While it may not be automatic, this is someone who can win races in the open field. Would Kansas City possibly see Brown as a complementary skill set to someone like Pacheco?

Sean Tucker- Syracuse

Sean Tucker presents a unique frame as a running back. Coming out of the backfield, his density can sometimes lead to more damage when just going straight at defenders. There are moments where Tucker wants to try to bounce something outside or cut back against the grain, when it is simply not there. If he can trust his explosiveness and power further, Tucker will be a fine depth piece. He can also catch opponents off guard with the smoothness he has in his lateral cuts. This just does not seem like a player who you can count on in obvious passing situations, as things currently stand.

Eric Gray- Oklahoma

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If you want to find a running back on day three that can be slippery in space, Eric Gray is for you. There is so much potential for him to find hidden yards in space. Namely, this comes from the creativity that he displays with the ball in his hands. Having smooth footwork and agility is paramount for a running back of a smaller stature. Largely, Gray exceeds expectations in those areas. Just get this guy the ball in space, via the run or pass, and see what tricks he can pull off to frustrate opponents. With Kansas City being a top spot for speed demons, Gray could slide right in as a depth runner for the Chiefs.

Chris Rodriguez Jr.- Kentucky

There is not a lot of substance to the skill set of Chris Rodriguez Jr. For example, the Kentucky product will not be able to win many races to the outside perimeter or in the open field. He is not going to try to run around defenders on every chance he gets, to boot. Simply put, Rodriguez Jr. is someone who can run in a straight line right into an opponent’s chest, knowing that he can break a good amount of tackles. For being a physical, hard-nosed runner, Rodriguez Jr. could find success in short yardage situations or in the red zone at the NFL level.

Be on the lookout for more FPC Chiefs 2023 NFL Draft articles and analysis in the coming days. 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.