The Kansas City Chiefs have added some depth and versatility to their backfield this offseason, giving the offense a strong complement to quarterback Patrick Mahomes and the passing game.
The team could make another big addition next season, with one analyst projecting the team will add a 3,300-yard running back in next year’s NFL draft. Brentley Weissman of Pro Football Sports Network predicted the Chiefs would take Oklahoma running back Jaydn Ott, one of the best dual-threat running backs in next year’s draft class.
Chiefs Could Give Backfield a Boost
Ott made a big impact through three seasons at California before transferring to Oklahoma this year. He racked up 2,597 rushing yards and 24 rushing touchdowns and added 95 receptions for 736 yards and six more receiving touchdowns — notching more than 3,300 all-purpose yards in total.
Oklahoma general manager Jim Nagy is very high on Ott, calling him an explosive playmaker.
Ott is projected as Day 2 draft pick, though he could reach higher if he adds another strong season to his resume.
Chiefs Making Investments in the Running Game
The Chiefs have made some key investments in their backfield this offseason, signing Elijah Mitchell from the San Francisco 49ers and drafting SMU standout Brashard Smith, who is a converted wide receiver.
Isiah Pacheco said he was impressed with the depth and versatility of Kansas City’s backfield heading into the 2025 season.
“Oh, it’s phenomenal,” he said, via SI.com. “We got guys that you can’t depend on, as far as saying that they’re only doing one thing. You can’t say that about us. You got guys just playing all different roles, just having fun with it and just competing.”
Pacheco said he has been working closely with the rookie Smith, helping him get acclimated to the NFL and understanding what the team is expecting of him.
“I had that similar role when I came in here,” Pacheco said. “It’s finding ways to get better, and that’s on the special teams, wherever it may be. Building a relationship with guys so you could learn a little bit more about them, and as far as the game itself — competing.”
SI.com’s Zak Gilbert noted that the Chiefs needed some help in the backfield, with Pacheco noticeably slowed when he returned from injury last season.
“Once Pacheco returned in Week 13, he wasn’t the same,” Gilbert wrote. “Neither were the Chiefs, who noticeably lacked explosiveness and ranked last in the league in the number of runs of 10 or more yards. Mahomes helped them overcome that weakness until the Super Bowl, when Philadelphia’s defense turned it into a fatal flaw.
“Screens and run-pass options didn’t materialize as extensions of the run game, and Kansas City knew it had to create something different. The Chiefs know they have to run the ball much more effectively.”
The addition of Ott next season could help solve some of those issues.
