Kansas City Chiefs: Miles Sanders intriguing prospect in 2019 NFL Draft

Penn State running back Miles Sanders could be the ideal running back for the Kansas City Chiefs. Sanders would compliment their star quarterback for seasons to come.

This season saw so much hope for the Kansas City Chiefs with Kareem Hunt returning combined with Patrick Mahomes, Tyreek Hill, Travis Kelce, and Sammy Watkins to form a dynamic offensive group ready to take on the NFL and score points at will. And, well, they have done that.

Now, Hunt is out of the picture. Who will replace his production moving forward? The Chiefs extended current starter Damien Williams recently, but who else can help the run game? Kansas City should look at Penn State running back Miles Sanders.

Spencer Ware is set to be a  free agent after this season. That’s the same case for recently signed Charcandrick West and fullback Anthony Sherman. Depth obviously is a concern and a player or two will be brought in to help the offense continue their run in 2019 and beyond.

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Important, perhaps more important than anything else when evaluating running back prospects for the Chiefs is versatility. Can the ball carrier lower a shoulder and pick up the much needed extra yard for a first down but on the next carry bounce outside?

Does the ball carrier display a willingness to block in pass protection while also displaying the ability to catch the ball are vital in the Chiefs offense. It certainly appears Miles Sanders can do those.

Somewhat of an unknown after backing up 2018 second overall pick Saquon Barkley, Sanders was the Nittany Lions starter this season, rushing for 1223 yards on 207 carries and nine touchdowns. He would also contribute 22 catches for 132 yards.

The biggest concern about Sanders is the unknown. Backing up the elite Barkley for the past two seasons, Sanders entered 2018 with only 56 career carries over his first two seasons.

A positive of this situation is the limited touches and carries equals fewer hits, meaning his body physically has avoided significant wear and tear that can be standard in college. Also, and this is important, Sanders is a junior and has not declared yet for the draft.

Sanders displays a lot of qualities the Chiefs would and will be looking for in a running back. He appears comfortable catching the ball out of the backfield. Patient with the football, there is a good burst when attacking a hole. Willing to put a shoulder down, Sanders displays a knack for falling forward with the football. Quicker than fast, he’s able to bounce outside and fight for yards.

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He also displays a great cut to get up the field. Similar to what the Broncos employed in running backs during their run in the 90’s, Sanders can plant and accelerate up the field. When he runs decisively and with confidence, he can get up the field quickly.

Sometimes, however, Sanders bounces outside sooner than perhaps the play would dictate, and while that is something a running back can get away with at the college level, it’s difficult to find success in the NFL trying to outrun everyone. While the Penn State back does display good burst and quickness, he’s not the fastest of running backs.

For only being the feature back for one season, Sanders is far too willing to try to hurdle defenders, and while it looks cool when it works, if it doesn’t, can lead to turnovers to serious injury. In a game against Wisconsin this season, in an attempt to leap a safety, Sanders landed on the back of his head trying to out leap a defender.

Lastly, Sanders will occasionally slow down when trying to make a cut. Decisive when attacking the line of scrimmage, he doesn’t always maintain speed when changing direction in the open field. Developing consistency will be important.

A third year junior and former top recruit, Sanders is the type of do-it-all running back that has the physical and athletic tools to succeed in Kansas City. With the threat of Mahomes throwing the football, Sanders would have the opportunity to find running lanes in the Chiefs backfield.

Similar play style to Frank Gore coming out, Miles Sanders has some power and enough quickness combined with good hands to be a contributor for the Kansas City Chiefs.