KC Chiefs select running back in first round of CBS Sports mock draft

As explosive as the KC Chiefs offense can be, the run game needs fine tuning this offseason whether it’s through free agency or the draft. Drafting a running back would be preferred, but would the Chiefs really spend a first round pick on one?

That’s what Chris Trapasso of CBS Sports predicted would happen in his latest mock draft, as he had the Kansas City Chiefs selecting Travis Etienne out of Clemson with the 29th overall pick. This would be a bit of a surprise, but running back is a position the Chiefs need to address, so would it be all that crazy if this were to happen?

Here is what Trapasso had to say about his mock draft selection,

"For a Super Bowl caliber team with a glaring need at running back in the long-term future, this would be an exciting pick for the Chiefs. Etienne is an incredibly explosive, hard-to-tackle back with high-end receiving skills.More from Chiefs Draft AnalysisWill Chiefs Draft Western Kentucky Hilltopper DeAngelo Malone?The Kansas City Chiefs Address Defense with This Mock DraftWill Chiefs Take Boston College Cornerback?The Kansas City Chiefs 2022 Mock Draft Roundup 1.0Why The Chiefs Should Draft Wide Receiver Christian Watson"

It’s hard to argue with him there. The Chiefs have struggled at running the ball this year and have never really had a consistent RB1 throughout the season. Damien Williams has one more year left on his contract, LeSean McCoy probably won’t be brought back, Darrel Williams is banged up, and Darwin Thompson appears to be more of a weapon catching passes.

That paves the way for the Chiefs to add a running back through the draft this year and while taking one in the first round isn’t ideal, they’d be getting an all-time kind of player with Travis Etienne, who has had a sensational career with the Clemson Tigers.

While Etienne still has one more game to go this season, he was terrific during the 2019 campaign, tallying 192 carries for 1,536 yards and 18 touchdowns. He also was utilized as a receiver, grabbing 32 receptions for 396 yards and four touchdowns, giving him 22 total touchdowns on the year.

The Chiefs could certainly use that kind of production from their RB1 and while Damien Williams hasn’t been terrible by any means, he’s not the long-term solution at the position. It’s time to draft someone and Travis Etienne would be a great addition to this offense.

My only thing is that I’m not sure I’d want to spend a first round pick on a running back when there are other needs for this team. The offensive line needs help, a run stopping linebacker would still be great to have, a backup tight end is a must, and depth in the secondary would be wise to add as well. By the time all of those are addressed, the Chiefs very well might have to target a running back on Day 3, which wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world.

What would you think of Kansas City drafting Travis Etienne in the 2020 NFL Draft?