NFL Draft sees ultimate problem-solver join Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
One thing that Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes needs in 2026 as he comes back from his ACL is a run game he can lean on.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementKareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco didn't offer much last season, and both are expected to hit free agency in the coming weeks. So, an overhaul at the position is likely forthcoming.
We have seen several free agents, such as Kenneth Walker and Breece Hall, be named as possible solutions for the Chiefs, but the draft could also be where Kansas City gets a star.
And for PFF's Ryan Smith, to solve Kansas City's biggest need, he has Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love joining Mahomes.
"He is a complete three-down running back and one of the best players in this year’s draft class," Smith wrote. "With Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt both scheduled to hit free agency, running back becomes a position of need. Getting a player of Love’s ability will help take pressure off Mahomes and the passing game, providing the balance the Chiefs have been seeking in recent years.”
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Is RB Chiefs' biggest need?
You could make the case that pass rusher is another top priority, but given what we saw from the run game last season, or better yet, what we didn't, getting Mahomes a proper weapon seems the right avenue to go down.
Having someone like Walker, Hall, or Love in the backfield would force defenses to play the run or risk getting gashed time and time again.
That would leave Mahomes' weapons free to roam downfield, which is exactly what Andy Reid would want.
The offseason is looming as a big one for Kansas City, and what it does at running back will be fascinating.
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