Kansas City Chiefs fans everywhere have been spoiled for years when it comes to electric play from the running back position. The team has boasted some of the best backs in the NFL for years. Christian Okoye, Marcus Allen, Priest Holmes, Joe Delaney, Jamaal Charles, and even Larry Johnson. It would seem no matter how bad things were going we always had that special player who could carry the ball and the team to victory at a moments notice.
With all of this talent, fans have become accustomed to a certain standard of play – especially during the Jamaal Charles years. No matter what would happen we could count on Charles to step in, step up, and save the day. Whether catching out of the backfield, running between the tackles, or simply blocking on passing downs, Charles could do it all. What’s more is he did it selflessly. You would never turn on ESPN and hear breaking news of how Charles was bad mouthing the coach for not giving him enough touches, or teammates for not doing their share.
Number 25 was the true definition of a “class act”. He could have walked in and asked for more money. He could have sat out practices and held out for a larger contract but never did. Charles was considered by many to be one of the most underpaid backs around. Accounting for a significant portion of the offense, he greatly outplayed his contract, and never said a word. Now #25 is a free agent, after being cut in a cap saving spree to free up money for the future. I am told, “Hey it’s a business.” You’re right. It is a business, but it’s also a family. Charles is family. He is a Chief. I do not care if he signs with another team tomorrow. #25 will always be a Chief. He will retire a Chief.
Since Charles is gone, we must look to the future of the backfield. We must find the next member of our family.
Since the downfall of #25, John-Andy-Reid-Dorsey (JARD) has been searching for that special someone. That spark. Spencer Ware and Charcandrick West currently sit at the top of the RB depth chart, with no heir apparent to Charles. While both are serviceable backs with good qualities, they do not offer that home run ability we have grown so fond of. With Ware, you have a straight forward runner with some decent lateral movement, and with West, you have a more agile and elusive back. The Chiefs need a mixture of both in one. Someone who can run it up the gut and bounce it to the outside to take it the distance.
So, in comes C.J. Spiller. Most recently with the New York Jets, Spiller has bounced around the league trying to find a home. He has not looked the same since leaving the Bills after the 2014 season. Approaching 30 quickly and showing flashes of talent here and there, C.J. is probably on his last chance on aNational Football League roster. This is not great news when you’re looking to the future. So, the Chiefs must look to the draft.
Since JARD has made their first pick one of the most exciting of my lifetime – trading away a first this year and next, and a third this year – the need for a complimentary back may be overshadowed by the national coverage. This 
does not lessen the need for a reliable sledgehammer out of the backfield. This need can be addressed with the 27th pick of the second round, pick #59 overall. Gone are Fournette, and McCaffrey, but as of writing this Dalvin Cook, Alvin Kamara, and Joe Mixon still sit undrafted. Cook will likely be long gone by the time K.C. gets to choose and I doubt they’ll trade up again. Kamara has drawn comparisons to Charles himself and would compliment our offense perfectly but should be off the board before we get a chance. Mixon should be available and is actually the better back than the others but has too much baggage. I just can not see JARD taking Mixon a year after taking someone with similar troubles in Tyreek Hill. Fans would revolt, and rightfully so. Our savior could come in the form of former Longhorn D’Onta Foreman.
Foreman is a bruiser back who averages over 6.3 yards a carry, taking it in for 15 touchdowns. He is not much of a pass catcher but has the skills and athleticism to develop that part of his game. At 6-foot-0 and 233 lbs., he has the size and built of an ox. Great in pass protection he could come in and protect our expensive new first round selection. Plus, he has the speed and stamina to become a 3 down feature back.
What do you think guys? JARD will be in a perfect position to draft for need and the best player available. Will they take a running back early and continue the tradition of excellence? Sound off below and let me know which RB you prefer!
As always, VIVA LA JET SWEEP, and GO CHIEFS!
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