Day 3 NFL Draft Running Backs for Chiefs to Consider

The 2023 NFL Draft will occur in Kansas City in just a handful of days. The Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs are slated to have 10 picks, the same number they used last year. In that draft, they picked up running Isiah Pacheco on the third day. Pacheco then became their leading rusher and helped them win another Lombardi trophy. 

As of now, though, Pacheco and 2020 first-round pick Clyde Edwards-Helaire are the only NFL-level running backs on the Chiefs' roster. They need to find a complement for the former, and they could do so on Day Three of the draft — a class that has talent and different skill sets littered across the running back position. There are a few names the Chiefs could (and should) be looking at to add for 2023 and beyond.

Chase Brown - Illinois

Chase Brown started his career at Western Michigan before transferring to Illinois where he ultimately broke out. Brown is one of the best athletes at the running back position in this draft class, and that athleticism shows on the field. The first thing is the breakaway speed. The saying "if he's even, he's leavin'" applies to Brown in the open field. He uses his explosive cuts to create space in the open area, then pull away with his top-end speed. 

Brown's north-south running style fits well with the Chiefs' mauling offensive line. He could run behind the interior and use his natural talent to make defenders miss. The former Fighting Illini running back is also very productive in the passing game. He runs routes out of the backfield and makes catches in the open field. Brown is willing to throw his body around in pass protection but will need to improve his play strength and become more consistent. He can still work to improve his vision to hit holes when they open.

Kendre Miller - TCU

As a crucial part of TCU's national championship run, Kendre Miller had a super productive final season in college and helped put him on the NFL's radar. Miller is incredibly elusive with the ball in his hands and makes defenders miss in tight areas of the field. He has good speed to help burst through holes and cover ground quickly. The speed and elusiveness at that size is a rare combination. 

Miller's build allows him to bounce off tacklers as well. He can fight through contact with his stockier frame and the size helps him as a pass protector as well. Miller will block and do the dirty work in the backfield when called upon. The odd thing about Miller as a prospect is he only had a little run as a pass catcher. If he were to come to Kansas City, it would be a risk without knowing his full capability in the passing game.

Tank Bigsby - Auburn

Putting Tank Bigsby on this list may be cheating because he could be gone before the fourth round begins. However, with the value of running back decreasing in the eyes of evaluators over the last few years, it is plausible he is available at the 122nd pick. Watching Bigsby at Auburn is difficult because of the poor offensive line he played behind, but the flashes are there to become a solid running back in the NFL. 

As a pure runner, Bigsby excels. He finds the hole and uses his explosive one-cut ability to pick up yards. In addition, he has good contact balance to withstand hits and pick up extra yards after contact. Bigsby wasn't asked to do much as a pass catcher, though he showed capability doing it. His pass protection improved throughout his college career, so that's a positive when trying to imagine him in the Chiefs' offense. Bigby will probably never be a home run hitter, though. Nevertheless, he will earn his keep by consistently getting four to eight-yard gains.

Israel Abanikanda - Pittsburgh

The former Pittsburgh Panther will only be 20 years old when the 2023 NFL season begins. That alone could make Israel Abanikanda intriguing to Chiefs general manager Brett Veach, who likes drafting younger players. Even disregarding the age factor, Abanikanda would be insanely fun to pair with Pacheco in Kansas City. He is blazing fast, which shows up when he runs away from defenders consistently. His ability to accelerate shortly after receiving the ball is unique and allows him to eliminate the defender's angle on him. 

Abanikanda is also built well for a running back with his burst. His finesse style makes him special, but he can also pick up the tough yards when needed. He was given the ball a ton in space as a pass catcher, utilizing his elite speed to the offense's advantage. He'll need to become more consistent with his vision and pass protection, but his physical ability is very enticing to bet on.