3. Jaydon Blue, Texas
Blue is a super fun prospect to watch with blazing speed and tons of big play potential out of the backfield. When you look into Blue as a prospect, his stats don't tell the whole story of who he is as a prospect, and the film shows an incredible athlete with tons of upside at the NFL level.
Blue ran a sub 4.40 40-yard dash at the combine and his track background showed up both at the combine and on film.
In the college football playoff, Blue broke off an incredible 77-yard run where he showed off his incredible breakaway speed that he had flashed all year. Blue is so much more than just speed though, as he has a good build with potential for power. He also flashes signs of good vision that helps him hit gaps in the run game as well as pick up pass rushers in the pass game. Blue is a solid pass catcher and is especially good when he is carrying some momentum downfield to help break away from tacklers.
I am a lot higher on Blue than a lot of the NFL community, and I have had him listed in my top-ten running backs since the college football playoff. Blue is a young raw prospect, but I think with some tweaks could be a very solid running back early in his career.
I am having trouble determining Blues consensus draft stock, as I have seen him go in the top 100 (where he should go) and as low as the 6th round. I would be okay with the Chiefs taking Blue at No. 95 but would be over the moon if they were able to land him on day three.
4. Devin Neal, Kansas
Neal has been a fan favorite this offseason for Chiefs fans more often than not, the fan-favorite prospects can be a little misguided. But this time, I am a big fan and I think Devin Neal would be a great fit in the Chiefs offense.
Neal has been the star of the Kansas Jayhawks offense for the last four seasons with over 4000 career rushing yards.
Neal has steadily improved in the passing game throughout his career but has always been an incredible pass blocker, something that has become increasingly more valuable in the NFL. As a runner, Neal is more quick than fast and runs with incredible power and vision that allows him to hit gaps and break tackles.
Neal lacks top-end speed, and his big play potential is limited, especially at the NFL level. But if nothing else, Neal is consistent. He doesn't miss blocking assignments, hits open gaps, and has reliable hands in the passing game. As a bonus, he quite literally has not lost one fumble in his college career.
If the Chiefs are looking for a guy who can do it all, Neal is an every-down back who is more than capable of doing anything he is assigned to. Neal is a projected fourth-round pick and would be a great grab for the Chiefs at 133.
5. Tahj Brooks, Texas Tech
Brooks is very similar to Devin Neal, as he may not have elite speed or quickness, but he is so skilled just about everywhere else.
Brooks is maybe the best pass blocker in the class and his ability to pick up free blitzers is incredible. He has a small compact build that allows him to play with power, both in the pass game as a blocker and at the line of scrimmage in the run game.
A common theme you have seen from the running backs that I have listed as fits for the Chiefs is their prowess as pass blockers. Chiefs RBs struggled in that department quite a bit and they should be able to find some serious improvement in the passing game through the draft this year.
Brooks is projected to be a late day three pick or even a UDFA by most analysts but I have a 4th round grade on him. If the Chiefs can get their hands on him in the seventh round, he may not be the answer to all of their problems but he is a capable contributor who would compliment Isiah Pacheco very well.