The Kansas City Chiefs are facing uncertainty at the running back position after Isiah Pacheco missed the majority of the 2024 season due to injury. Although Pacheco had been considered a key offensive piece, his diminished performance upon returning has prompted the Chiefs to explore alternatives, including a top prospect projected for the 2026 NFL Draft. This shift comes after the team prioritized strengthening their offensive line earlier in the offseason, highlighted by the acquisition of first-round pick Josh Simmons.
History of Kansas City’s Search for a Reliable Running Back
Since Patrick Mahomes became the Chiefs’ starting quarterback, the team has struggled to find a dependable running back to complement his dynamic playmaking. Despite extensive efforts, multiple draft picks, and roster changes, a long-term solution has remained elusive. Nevertheless, the lacking ground threat has not prevented the Chiefs from reaching five Super Bowls and winning three titles since 2020.
Isiah Pacheco appeared to be the answer when he arrived as a seventh-round draft pick and quickly impressed during his rookie year. He gradually secured the starting role and improved further in his second season, contributing to consecutive Super Bowl victories. However, a fractured fibula sidelined him for over ten weeks in 2024, and his impact has not returned to prior levels since then.
Analyst Recommends Targeting Nicholas Singleton in Upcoming Draft
Jacob Infante, an analyst from PFSN, recently suggested in a 2026 mock draft that the Chiefs should look to replace Pacheco, citing the running back’s uncertain recovery. Infante identified Penn State’s Nicholas Singleton as a promising candidate who could energize the Chiefs’ backfield. Singleton has demonstrated exceptional rushing ability, accumulating nearly 3,000 yards and 32 touchdowns over three seasons at Penn State.
In addition to his ground game, Singleton has proven to be a dual-threat with over 750 receiving yards and eight touchdowns through the air, showcasing versatility that could be valuable in the Chiefs’ offense.
After rushing for over 1,000 yards in 2024, Nicholas Singleton is one of the top returning senior prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft. He’s an explosive north-south runner with the speed and power to serve as a bowling ball up the middle.
—Jacob Infante, Analyst
Implications for the Chiefs’ Offensive Strategy Moving Forward
With Isiah Pacheco entering a contract year, the Chiefs face a critical decision regarding his role in the offense. Should Pacheco fail to reclaim his previous level of production, it is unlikely that the team will extend his tenure beyond this season. Targeting a game-changing talent like Nicholas Singleton could provide the Chiefs with a much-needed boost in rushing ability, especially after the offense ranked outside the top ten in the PFSN Offense+ metric last year.
The future direction of Kansas City’s backfield will likely depend on Pacheco’s recovery and the availability of impactful draft prospects like Singleton, whose speed, power, and versatility align with the team’s need to balance their passing attack led by Patrick Mahomes. As the Chiefs aim to maintain their championship competitiveness, reinforcing the running back position remains a key element in their ongoing roster strategy.