The Kansas City Chiefs may be looking to reevaluate their backfield in the upcoming NFL Draft. They could land a three-down back with their first-round pick.
The Chiefs are currently in no position to draft Heisman Trophy runner-up Ashton Jeanty. However, they could land the second-best running back in the class, Omarion Hampton. Sporting News’ Vinnie Iyer predicted the Chiefs would select him with the 31st overall pick this year.
“The Chiefs last whiffed with a first-round running back five years ago with Clyde Edwards-Helaire, but that shouldn’t stop them from looking at Hampton as a potential three-down game-changer in their offense given the recent limitations of Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco,” wrote Iyer.
Hampton ran for 1,600 yards and 15 touchdowns last season at the University of North Carolina. He had over 2,000 scrimmage yards and 17 total touchdowns. He was named a Second-Team Associated Press All-American and was First-Team All-ACC. He led the ACC in rushing attempts and yards in each of the last two seasons. He also led the conference in touchdowns in 2023.
Last season, Isiah Pacheco suffered an injury that forced the Chiefs to sign Kareem Hunt to help fill a void. However, Hunt ended up pacing the backfield in yards and was re-signed. The Chiefs are hoping Pacheco can get back to the player he was in 2023, but Hampton may be the better option regardless.
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He is a versatile player who could quickly carve out a role on the Chiefs’ offense. However, if the Chiefs wait to try and get him in the second round, he may not make it to the 63rd pick.
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