Here’s how we envision the Chiefs’ running backs depth chart shaking out this season
The narrative of the Chiefs’ offseason — the consistency of the roster after a Super Bowl win — does have one exception.
Their running backs.
The room absorbed a slew of changes this summer. The first significant one arrived in April, when the Chiefs used their first-round pick to take LSU’s Clyde Edwards-Helaire. And the second came last week, when incumbent starter Damien Williams opted out of the 2020 season, sharing that his mother is battling cancer.
For whatever the familiarity the Chiefs offense feels, it won’t travel to the backfield. A position that remained largely unsettled in 2019 — at least until the postseason — heads into training camp with a rookie atop the depth chart.
Yes, the Chiefs navigated last season just fine without a clear-cut workhorse back — it’s the first time since 1988 they haven’t had any player rush for 500 yards. But Williams sidestepped an injury-riddled year to take over in the playoffs. He scored six touchdowns. He finished runner-up in the Super Bowl MVP conversation to Patrick Mahomes.
His production, in other words, is something the Chiefs will miss — even if they didn’t see it on a consistent, 16-game basis. They were at their best last season when Williams was at his best.
So, what now?
The Star continues its training camp position previews with the running backs. (We have previously analyzed the quarterbacks and defensive linemen. The remaining positions are forthcoming.)
Current roster
Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Elijah McGuire, Anthony Sherman, Darwin Thompson, DeAndre Washington, Darrel Williams
Key position battle
A three-way battle.
The Chiefs will use multiple backs this season —heck, five different players led the Chiefs in rushing in at least one game last season. So even if Edwards-Helaire wins the No. 1 job and even if he excels there, the fight for his top backup is an important one.
DeAndre Washington, Darwin Thompson and Darrel Williams will all have the chance to make their case. As Washington put it Tuesday, “There’s definitely a lot of opportunities for a lot of people to eat.”
Some will just get a larger share of the pie. Washington is the most natural pick, given his experience in Oakland (282 carries in four seasons) and his familiarity with Patrick Mahomes (teammates at Texas Tech).
Williams, who missed the end of last season with a hamstring injury, saw 56 touches in 12 games last year. He scored four times. In a room full of smaller stature backs, his 224-pound frame could be seen as a desirable alternative, particularly in a goal-line role.
The Chiefs used draft capital on Thompson last April, knowing it would be a long-term project rather than a short-term impact. A jump in Year Two will be important to show progress in the right direction.
Who to watch
Clyde Edwards-Helaire.
The effectiveness of the Kansas City backfield will hinge on a player who’s yet to receive an NFL carry.
On one hand, it’s a risk. On the other, it’s an indication of the team’s confidence in him.
Reid re-iterated that derives not just from Edwards-Helaire’s ability but rather his mental acuity. He’s picked up the offense through virtual meetings. Even called it easy.
The Chiefs have yet to label Edwards-Helaire the outright starter, but everything points in that direction.
And how can you not be intrigued by the new guy? By the first-round talent? He can make people miss in open space, either with a quick cut or a willingness to take on a tackler. His 5-foot-7 frame can be deceptive, defenders underestimating his strength.
But the most comfortable fit in Kansas City should come in the passing game, where Williams was also a weapon. Edwards-Helaire caught 55 balls for LSU last season.
The Chiefs aren’t turning into a run-first team anytime soon.
Previous installments, and remaining schedule, for our two-week Chiefs training camp preview series:
Monday: Quarterbacks: We know who No. 1 is, but what about the backups?
Tuesday: The defensive line: It will be a strength again.
Wednesday, Aug. 5: Sizing up the running backs depth chart
Thursday, Aug. 6: At linebacker, Hitchens anchors the corps
Friday, Aug. 7: Plenty of targets for Patrick Mahomes at WR
Monday, Aug. 10: After Ward, Chiefs have corner questions
Tuesday, Aug. 11: Among the tight ends, it’s Kelce and ...
Wednesday, Aug. 12: Safeties
Thursday, Aug. 13: offensive line
Friday, Aug. 14: special teams
This story was originally published August 5, 2020 at 5:00 AM.