The Kansas City Chiefs have been one of the best teams drafting talent and getting immediate results from their players on their rookie deals which has become more important than ever.
With cap hits rising each year for Patrick Mahomes, Chris Jones, Travis Kelce and Jawaan Taylor it is important they find replacements for cheap at other positions than extend them for big money.
With running back Pacheco coming up on his final season on his rookie deal it’s time they find his replacement, and the best choice is Quinshon Judkins from The Ohio State University in the 2025 NFL Draft.
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The 2025 NFL Draft is on its way and as each team looks to improve their roster, the Kansas City Chiefs are looking to replace aging veterans or potential free agents they are unwilling to spend big on.
The Chiefs have hit the jackpot over and over by finding talented veteran wide receivers via a trade or free agency over the years to keep their coat down, along with drafting Isaiah Pacheco in the 7th round.
Isaiah Pacheco is coming off an injury that made him miss time last season and will be entering a payday-type season. If Pacheco performs like he can, another team will be willing to spend.
Isaiah Pacheco’s Stats:
- 2024: 7 G 310 Yds 1 TD 12 Rec 79 Yds 0 TD
- 2023: 14 G 935 Yds 7 TD 44 Rec 244 Yds 2 TD
- 2022: 17 G 830 Yds 5 TD 13 Rec 130 Yds 0 TD
The Kansas City Chiefs have Pacheco, Kareem Hunt as their current 1-2 but that shouldn’t make them shy away from taking another running back in this year’s draft.
The 2025 NFL Draft is loaded with running backs where several teams who already are set will take one as well, which could cause Judkins to be taken in the second where normally he could be a 3rd round pick.
Quinshon Judkins is Similar with a Higher Ceiling
Quinshon Judkins was a two-time first-team All-SEC for Ole Miss before transferring to Ohio State to partner up with Treveyon Henderson as the scariest running back duo in a long time.
Judkins is a bigger back who can break and push the tackle back but also ran a 4.48 40-yard at the combine which came as a surprise for a lot of analysts.
Quinshon Judkins Stats:
- 2024: 16 G 1060 Yds 14 TD 22 Rec 161 Yds 2 TD
- 2023: 13 G 1158 Yds 15 TD 22 Rec 149 Yds 2 TD
- 2022: 13 G 1567 Yds 16 TD 15 Rec 132 Yds 1 TD
Not as much of a pass catcher, however, Judkins is a true 3 down back the Chiefs would love to have. His ability and willingness to block are impressive and with his size and strength will be a useful asset in the NFL.
The Chiefs are unlikely to move on from Pacheco in 2025, but a Pacheco-Judkins backfield is dangerous for defenders trying to tackle.
To have Kareem Hunt as a third running back option, who can still get it done and have the veteran experience for both will make the running back room for the Chiefs a strength for the first time since Hunt was a rookie in Kansas City.
Chiefs Running Back Draft History
- 2022 7th Rounder – Isiah Pacheco
- 2020 1st Rounder – Clyde Edwards Helaire
- 2019 6th Rounder – Darwin Thompson
- 2017 3rd Rounder – Kareem Hunt
- 2014 4th Rounder – De’Anthony Thomas
- 2013 3rd Rounder – Knile Davis
- 2012 6th Rounder – Cyrus Gray
The Kansas City Chiefs need to shore up several other pieces in their roster in the draft and free agency as well to make the running game effective, but if Judkins is there to pick in the second and possibly the third round. The Chiefs must jump on the chance for a 3 downback on a rookie contract immediately.
