With Kareem Hunt, on the roster, the Kansas City Chiefs may not be in dire need of a RB, but this draft has some depth at the position. Since this draft isn’t the deepest overall, to begin with, the Chiefs should not ignore value, even at a position of depth. Whether you’re looking for a speed back to complement Hunt, or a power back to take the load off, there should be some intriguing options in most rounds of the draft.
Pick 54- No picks suggested
To be clear, there are RBs who are worth a 2nd round pick. Derrius Guice would be a potential fit here, but Chiefs really can’t afford to spend this pick on a RB. Between Ware and Hunt Chiefs have a solid group. They need good depth, not a top shelf starter. If Ronald Jones fell here for some reason (he won’t) you migh be able to talk me into it, but I just don’t see the player who’s so good he gets you to ignore more significant needs.
Pick 78 RB Rashaad Penny 5′11” 220lbs
Penny is being overlooked by too many, but his draft profile, on NFL.com, has him rated as a 2nd or 3rd round pick. Penny’s OL wasn’t the greatest, but he still posted solid production and should be a great fit for Chiefs offense. While so many college backs dance in the backfield, or try to turn the corner, Penny finds his hole and hits it. He’s fast, decisive with great vision. Penny won’t get as many yards after contact as Hunt, but he doesn’t always go down on first contact either. His pass protection could use a little work, but he’s very aware of his role as a check down for the QB and stays available during scrambles. Explosion is good for the position, but not special.
|
40 Time |
Bench |
Vertical |
Broad |
3-Cone |
20 Shuttle |
|
4.46 |
16 |
32.5” |
120” |
None |
None |
Pick 86 RB Ito Smith 5′9” 201lbs
Smith didn’t score a combine invite, but plays hard every snap. He’s an explosive player who makes good cuts and plays bigger than his size. He’s not going to be a tackle breaker in the NFL, but he can make people miss and should also offer a solid option as a returner. He’s a guy who can turn one missed tackle into a big gain.
Pick 122 or 124 RB Nyheim Heins 5‘8” 198lbs
Heins is short, but he’s blazing fast and he’s built well, for his size. Like DAT, Chiefs will need to find a role for him, but unlike Thomas, he’s sturdy enough to handle work inside and ouside, though his best fit may be in the slot, eventually. He’s another guy who can play as a returner on STs. With Chiefs offense, they could see a lot of blitzes. Heins gives you a dangerous check down option in those situations.
|
40 Time |
Bench |
Vertical |
Broad |
3-Cone |
20 Shuttle |
|
4.38 |
18 |
35.5” |
119” |
7.18 |
4.35 |
Pick 196 RB Phillip Lindsay 5′8” 190lbs
You hear about a lot of players who try hard on the field. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a college player give more effort than Lindsay. His lack of size will always be an issue, but his pass blocking is already NFL level. That’s not something you see from college backs. Extremely coach-able, great leader and locker room guy. His game needs some polishing, but the Chiefs have the right staff to get the most out of him. Could be a Charcandrick West type back for minimal investment.
Pick 233 FB/RB Ryan Nall 6′2” 232lbs
I’ve written about Nall before. His 40-yard dash time isn’t going to change people’s minds who view him as a FB only, but I think he’s got the versatility to play both positions. Nall is an explosive and fluid player, who offers value as a check down option and a short yardage brawler. At his size and speed, he can also function as an emergency TE. Nall is a bit of a ‘tweener, but, in the modern NFL, that has value. As a late round pick, he’s also well suited to special teams play.
|
40 Time |
Bench |
Vertical |
Broad |
3-Cone |
20 Shuttle |
|
4.58 |
15 |
33” |
122” |
6.95 |
4.16 |
Pick 243 RB Chase Edmonds 5′9” 205lbs
Edmonds is a small school RB whose technique needs refining, but he’s got quality explosion and should be an elusive player at the next level. His fluidity should make him valuable as a route runner, but his pass protection will need work, if he ever wants to see the field. Late round gamble that could pay off big. Had a pretty nice combine.
|
40 Time |
Bench |
Vertical |
Broad |
3-Cone |
20 Shuttle |
|
4.55 |
19 |
34” |
122” |
6.79 |
4.07 |
The Chiefs are in pretty good shape at RB between Spencer Ware and Kareem Hunt, plus Damien Williams was a solid addition. However, Ware and Williams will both be a free agents next year, while West and Akeem Hunt haven’t been great options. If Chiefs find a gem in the draft, at RB, they might even be able to flip a RB for a decent draft pick, or a player. I really like Rashaad Penny. I think he’s going to be a steal for whoever gets him. I think I would get the most excited, though, if Chiefs drafted Ryan Nall. I love guys who play fast for their size, and I like Nall’s versatility. Whatever happens, the Chiefs will be in fine shape at RB, but this draft isn’t deep enough to pass on quality talent, even if you have some depth there. Go Chiefs!
If you are viewing this in Apple News and would like to join the Discussion, [GO HERE.](http://arrowheadone.com/cbs-lazy-big-board-rb/#disqus_thread)