Kansas City Chiefs: Who is new Chiefs running back Darwin Thompson?

With their second selection in the sixth round, the Kansas City Chiefs drafted Utah State running back Darwin Thompson. Can he make an impact in 2019?

After signing Carlos Hyde this offseason, the Kansas City Chiefs still opted to use the 214th overall selection on Utah State junior running back Darwin Thompson. Undersized at 5’8″ and 200 pounds, the Aggie has a knack for staying on his feat and playing bigger than his size.

Jason Turner helps cover Utah State athletics for the Herald Journal and helped to provide some insight into what exactly the Chiefs have with the undersized running back and what he can provide.

For more information about Darwin Thompson, Turner wrote about Thompson soon after the draft. 

What does Darwin Thompson do best?

I feel his biggest strength is gaining yards after contact, especially in the open field. Thompson also has the ability to hurdle defenders. His vertical leap was 39 inches during USU’s Pro Day, but he has gone at least 41 inches in the past.

What does Thompson most need to improve on?

Probably being a little more patient and waiting for his blocks to materialize. Thompson doesn’t have blazing speed, but I believe he is fast enough to be an impact player in the NFL.

Was Thompson declaring for the draft expected?

I was a little bit surprised, but I don’t believe people closer to his inner circle were. 

Can Thompson catch?

Yeah, I definitely feel like Thompson proved himself as a viable weapon catching the ball out of the backfield. He had 23 receptions for 351 yards during his lone season at Utah State. His 88-yard touchdown catch on a screen pass against San Jose State was one of the Aggies’ most memorable plays of the season, in my opinion.

Can Thompson block?

I believe Thompson is a pretty good blocker and will continue to develop in that aspect of his game. He is definitely a hard-nosed tough player and is very, very strong. Thompson’s exploits in the weight room are extremely impressive.

Did Utah State know what they had in Thompson?

Yeah, the Aggies brought Thompson in with the belief he would make an immediate impact. I definitely noticed a lot of fans expressed their excitement over Thompson’s potential on social media. He was a second-team junior college All-American who rushed for more than 2,400 yards during his two seasons at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M.

Were you surprised where Thompson went after he believed he was no lower than a fourth rounder after his pro day?

Not really. I thought maybe he would be drafted a little higher, but always thought he would be a Day 3 selection. Had he been invited to the NFL Combine, I believe he would have stood a good chance of being drafted higher. Regardless, it’s difficult to accurately gauge how the draft is going to pan out, especially when it gets to the later rounds.

How would you describe Darwin Thompson the player?

Motivated. He definitely plays with a chip in his shoulder, one that materialized when he didn’t receive any Division I or II scholarships out of high school. The guy is a muscle shark. I mean, 28 reps on the bench for someone that small is pretty spectacular, and the man can squat well over 500 pounds.

I fully expected him to bounce off would-be tacklers and make at least one explosive play in every game last season. I’m very curious how his skill set will translate at the next level.

How would you describe Thompson the person?

Loved interviewing Thompson. He did an excellent job answering questions and being personable with the media. He is a pretty bright young man. I don’t know much about Thompson off the field, but always felt he represented the Aggies well.

What are the Chiefs getting in Thompson?

Someone who will do everything he can to prove the Chiefs made the right decision by drafting him. Thompson has worked his tail off to transform himself in the weight room and into a next level player.

My Thoughts:

I might be the only person not overly excited about Thompson. The pint-sized Thompson displays good balance and an ability to stay on his feet through contact. However, I don’t see a player with the necessary speed and acceleration needed to truly get through holes and outrun defenders.

Thompson’s ability to catch the ball out of the backfield, a willingness to block will allow him to remain on a roster and provide quality depth, but he likely is never a player one should look at to be a regular starter with the Chiefs.

With the drafting of Thompson and the addition of James Williams as an undrafted free agent out of Washington State, the roster spot of Carlos Hyde could be in jeopardy before he ever steps on the field.

Both Thompson and Williams have displayed an ability to catch the ball and have shown a level of ability running the ball. With second year player Darrel Williams on the roster capable of providing power in the backfield, is there a spot for Hyde?