KC Chiefs: Way too early look at potential running backs in 2020 NFL Draft
By John McCarty
The Kansas City Chiefs have not rushed the ball well at all in 2019. Perhaps they haven’t tried enough, or are not confident enough in what they have.
The Chiefs offense was explosive much more so in the earlier part of last season, and the threat of the Kareem Hunt boosted the offense for sure. Obviously, other factors are involved, but it’s a fact that the Chiefs could use a better running back, and a cheaper option that hoping to catch lightning in the bottle with an old back.
Free agency looms for LeSean McCoy, and Damien Williams is likely a cap cut after the season. Another option, one that can be ‘the guy’ as much as can be in this passing offense would be a welcome addition, and because it’s highly unlikely to be a first round pick, the cost for the running back would be minimal, and would be for multiple years.
With that in mind, I explore a few options I believe could be fits and of interest for the Chiefs in the upcoming 2020 NFL Draft.
ZACK MOSS – UTAH
Zack Moss is a power back with balance a bit of quickness that could be the closer the Chiefs are lacking in 2019.
Every year, running backs emerge from the middle rounds of the draft that go on to great starts to their careers. The Chiefs witnessed themselves that fact in 2017 when Kareem Hunt took the division by storm.
Fast forward to 2019, and the Chiefs are again in need of someone that can carry the load at the running back position, a closer to finish games if you will. Utah product Zack Moss could very well be that player.
With a body size similar to Hunt’s and a play style similar, Moss is a physical runner between the tackles and the ability to find the edge of outside runs. He can catch the ball out of the backfield though was not asked to do that often.
He’s a willing blocker though he needs to refine technique. He does a good job of avoiding traffic in the backfield and getting up field, and often falls forward through contact with defenders.
The biggest issue is that, while he isn’t slow, he’s not fast and at times there’s a lack of quickness or burst. He appears often to be a classic bruiser running back. While referenced Kareem Hunt, the former Chief had far better contact balance and agility than Moss. Hunt could make defenders miss in college far better than Moss though Hunt played in the MAC while Moss played in the PAC12, so that’s probably a big reason as to why).
While the Chiefs have shown an affinity for backs like him, do they not already have that type of player in Darrel Williams? Moss is better, but would the Chiefs front office view Moss as adding similarities to what they already have?