The Kansas City Chiefs brought a disappointing season to an end with an even more disappointing loss to the NFL’s worst team, and now will head into an offseason full of questions.
The biggest question could be the offense, which struggled throughout the season and ground to a halt after a season-ending injury to quarterback Patrick Mahomes. One insider suggests the Chiefs could start by recharging their rushing game, grabbing a 1,700-yard college running back who can kickstart Kansas City’s ground game.
Chiefs Add Notre Dame Running Back in Mock Draft
SI.com’s Jared Feinberg published a full mock draft just hours after the Chiefs ended their season with a loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. Feinberg suggested the Chiefs would use their top picks to address their defense, then add Notre Dame running back Jadarian Price in the third round.
Feinberg noted that the backfield is one of the biggest areas of concern for the Chiefs.
“Boy, do the Chiefs need help at running back. It’s clear that outside of Brashard Smith, this team will have a clean reset in the backfield, which requires unique and talented skill sets across the board,” Feinberg wrote.
While Price was not a starter for Notre Dame, he was a productive running back with some strong NFL comparisons, Feinberg added.
“Price, who backed up a Heisman Trophy candidate in Jeremiyah Love, was a fantastic runner for the Fighting Irish, with a similar set of skills to that of former Notre Dame standout and Los Angeles Rams starter Kyren Williams,” he wrote.
Price had 1,692 yards across his three college seasons, adding 11 touchdowns. He also had 162 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns.
Chiefs Could Face Tough Competition for Jadarian Price
If the Chiefs have their eyes on Price as an addition for next season, they may not be able to wait until the third round. The B/R NFL Scouting Department listed Price as the No. 2 running back in this year’s draft, behind only teammate Jeremiyah Love.
ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. also had Price as the No. 2 running back prospect, suggesting he will be off the board in the late first or early second rounds. Bleacher Report’s Timothy Rapp suggested the Arizona Cardinals could swoop in and take Price to recharge their backfield.
“The Arizona Cardinals went into a full committee mode after James Conner was ruled out for the season in late September with a foot injury,” Rapp wrote. “Conner is 30 and it’s fair to question how he’ll look when he returns from that injury, while none of Bam Knight, Emari Demercado, Michael Carter or Trey Benson have fully seized on the heir apparent role when given the chance (albeit with plenty of injuries among that group as well).”
Rapp added that the Washington Commanders and New Orleans Saints could also be interested in Price.
The Chiefs will also have plenty of other positions to address, including a big one on offense. Tight end Travis Kelce has hinted at retirement and has reached the end of his contract, which could force the Chiefs to find a new No. 1 tight end.
Chiefs Predicted to Add 1,700-Yard RB After Disappointing Season