The Kansas City Chiefs have a handful of team needs entering the 2025 NFL Draft, but some spots are more pressing to fill than others. The Chiefs could go in several different directions with their plans in the 2025 NFL Draft. In the end, positions like offensive tackle, defensive line, and running back arguably stand out as the greatest team needs.
Positions like wide receiver, cornerback, and safety could be bolstered for additional depth. However, there is one spot that stands alone as a true need, as running back remains an area where you are left wanting more when looking at Kansas City's depth chart.
Isiah Pacheco has suffered a few different injuries now and will be entering the final year of his rookie deal. Kareem Hunt had a solid bounce-back season in K.C., however, older running backs can only push the needle so far. If you view Carson Steele as more of a fullback type, there are no running backs under contract for the Chiefs in 2026.
Many different running backs have been linked to the Chiefs in recent mock drafts and reported visits. Could Kansas City potentially double-up at running back this year? It would not be a horrible course of action with such a deep draft class at the position.
Chiefs still need more juice at running back
The Chiefs have some power and toughness in their running back room currently. Among their veteran options, this year's free agent signee, Elijah Mitchell, may be the fastest of the bunch. He has dealt with costly injuries in the past, however, and when looking at how cheap his deal was, it may not even be safe to call him a lock to make the 2025 roster.
Simply put, the Chiefs have to find more juice for their backfield. Getting more explosive around Patrick Mahomes should be a goal moving forward. At running back, there are too many times when Kansas City is left having to fight for extra yards on the ground. They just do not possess the game-breaking speed that can open up more options in the ground game.
When it comes to the rushing success of the Chiefs, much of 2024 saw them execute on short yardage. They were also able to grind out well in between the tackles. But rarely, if ever, could the run game extend options for the offense.
Deep running back class offers multiple skill sets
There is a solid mix of speed and power/size in the 2025 NFL Draft at running back. Explosive options like Bhayshul Tuten, Brashard Smith, RJ Harvey, TreVeyon Henderson, and DJ Giddens all had blazing times in the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. Meanwhile, there are plenty of tough, physical runners available as well. Names like Cam Skattebo, Quinshon Judkins, and Damien Martinez are players who run with a chip on their shoulder, while looking to run through defenders.
The Chiefs need more dynamism in the backfield, but they also need to a change of pace from what they have at present. Kansas City has relied on a methodical style of offense over the last couple of years now. Without many quick strikes, on the ground or in the air, K.C. has been left to grind out games to achieve a good amount of their victories.
With multiple skill sets available to them in the running back class, the Chiefs could look to add more than one playing style for future years in the offense.
A double dip at running back could boost Chiefs now and in future
The Chiefs have routinely stated that they look for competition to bring out the best in their team. Internal battles for roster spots have always been decided by performance on the field under this regime. At running back, Kansas City should not hold back in creating as much competition as possible entering 2025.
For one, a deep running back position battle could better determine how to divvy up usage and snaps in the backfield. Kansas City has appeared undecided in that regard far too often in recent seasons. Meanwhile, more youth and options at running back could continue to reset the offense around Mahomes in future years.
With some spots evolving as Mahomes' career continues to grow, taking more stress of off him with simpler ground options would be a benefit. He accounted for more of his offense's yards than any other NFL passer last season, according to Nate Taylor of The Athletic.
If Brett Veach and his staff really want to improve at running back, taking two running backs on draft weekend is a worthwhile case. The benefits in the future are too great. Plus, more cheap options for the offense on rookie deals should be a path that a perennial contender should utilize at this position.
