Chiefs projected to address biggest offensive need with early 2026 Draft pick

The Kansas City Chiefs are in a strange spot going into the 2026 offseason. Kansas City missed the playoffs in 2025, which was a letdown. Now, they have an early first-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. This is both a chance and a problem for a team that is used to picking late in the draft.

The one area Chiefs need to fix

The Chiefs have not had a 1,000-yard rusher since 2017, when Kareem Hunt delivered a breakout season. Since then, the ground attack has lacked consistency and punch. In 2025, Hunt once again led the team in rushing, but managed just over 600 yards. Isiah Pacheco flashed at times but struggled with injuries and rhythm.



While Kansas City’s passing game has long carried the offense, the lack of balance has become increasingly obvious. Defenses have been able to sit back, knowing the Chiefs are unlikely to dominate on the ground. That reality has sparked early draft projections linking the Chiefs to a running back with their top pick.

In his first 2026 mock draft, analyst Bucky Brooks projected Kansas City to select Jeremiyah Love out of Notre Dame. Love is widely viewed as the best running back in this draft class and a player who could make an immediate impact.



He enjoyed a dominant 2025 season, rushing for over 1,300 yards and scoring 18 touchdowns. He finished third in Heisman Trophy voting and earned first-team All-American honors. What makes him especially attractive for Kansas City is his versatility. Love can catch passes, block in protection, and handle a full workload the Chiefs value highly.

Why the timing makes sense

Some fans may question using a high draft pick on a running back. But circumstances may force the Chiefs’ hand. Both Hunt and Pacheco are nearing the end of their contracts, and the depth behind them remains thin.

The return of Eric Bieniemy as offensive coordinator also adds intrigue. Bieniemy was part of the staff the last time Kansas City produced a 1,000-yard rusher. While his past offenses leaned heavily on the pass, there is renewed focus on finding the right run schemes in 2026.



A reliable ground game would also take pressure off Patrick Mahomes, allowing the offense to stay efficient without asking him to create magic on every snap.

Head coach Andy Reid and the Chiefs’ front office must decide how best to use their rare early draft position. Addressing the run game with a proven, high-upside talent like Love could help restore balance and set the tone for a bounce-back season.



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