Kansas City Chiefs 2018 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Sony Michel

Kareem Hunt emerged as a star for the Kansas City Chiefs at running back. However, adding another talented back like Sony Michel could be smart.

Most people would laugh at the idea of the Kansas City Chiefs needing to invest more at running back. Last season, the Chiefs got one of the top steals of the draft in Kareem Hunt. You really can’t ask for much better than that. However, the future of the position is in question. Georgia’s Sony Michel could be an answer to that question.

Beyond 2018, the running back position for Kansas City actually takes a dramatic turn. Both Spencer Ware and Charcandrick West are free agents after this season. Both players will be coveted assets in the NFL, and could leave for starting jobs. It would make sense for the Chiefs to invest in that eventuality.

In fact, I wouldn’t put it past Brett Veach to try and trade one of his veteran backups. If Kareem Hunt is going to be the bell cow, then why not try to get some value for Spencer Ware or Charcandrick West? A number of teams could be interested in West especially. If the Chiefs go that route, then drafting another running back makes a lot of sense.

Sony Michel – RB – Georgia

NFLDraftScout.com Scouting Report

The Kansas City Chiefs continue to excel at the running game, but aren’t quite “dominant” there. Adding a guy like Sony Michel could take them over the top in that regard. A combo of Kareem Hunt and Michel could force teams to focus on the run, opening the door for some big passing plays down the field.

Sony Michel is a dynamic running back who is very hard to bring down. Naturally elusive, with very quick feet and sudden change of direction. Finds the gaps and attacks them very suddenly to gain maximum exploitation. Plays more physical than you would expect, running well behind a lowered shoulder. Excellent receiving option out of the backfield.

Stat To Know: Sony Michel averaged over 5 yards per carry each year at Georgia.

The issues for Sony Michel are largely based on the season prior to his senior campaign. However, there is still a concern regarding his body frame, as he isn’t as strong in his lower body. Michel also doesn’t drive as much with his legs, so he won’t “move the pile”. Doesn’t possess elite speed to pull away from defenders.

Dominate On The Ground

If the Kansas City Chiefs were to add another running back to the mix this offseason, it does make sense for that player to be more of a “power back”. However, if a prospect like Sony Michel is available, it’s hard to pass up that value. Michel should absolutely be in the talk of top running backs in the draft this year.

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The Chiefs seem to be putting more of an emphasis on big plays as they have built up their offense. Sony Michel definitely plays into that. While Spencer Ware and Charcandrick West are fan favorites, and talented, they don’t offer the kind of potential hat Michel does. That simply isn’t something to be overlooked.

A shakeup in the running back group could well be on the way. If it is, then Kansas City is definitely in a good place to capitalize. Sony Michel and Kareem Hunt in the same backfield would certainly be a noteworthy pairing. You can bet every defensive coordinator in the NFL would be taking notice of that.

The Kansas City Chiefs are in an interesting situation at running back. It’s easy to see the talent on the roster and be content. However, the Chiefs do have to think about the future. It might be better to invest in that future now rather than later. Sony Michel is definitely a worthwhile investment.