The Kansas City Chiefs picked up running back Isiah Pacheco in the seventh round in the NFL Draft. Isiah Pacheco has been a training camp and preseason star this year. Can the running back out of Rutgers end up being the steal of the draft?
Isiah Pacheco has wowed coaches during this years training camp. After the draft many have speculated that the seventh round pick would be fighting for a roster spot, but recently he has showed flashes of potential and the Kansas City staff has taken notice. Newly acquired running back Ronald Jones was signed to fight for the starting job but now is no longer a roster-lock. This may be due to the momentum Pacheco has captured during camp.
During camp multiple members of the team have called Pacheco, “the star of training camp.” Many reports stated that the Chiefs were experimenting with him playing in the slot in some formations. Pacheco’s versatility has been a key component of his strong climb up the depth chart. The seventh round pick may be the team’s new Swiss army knife.
One huge surprise for Kansas City’s preseason was the lack of playing time for Pacheco. He mostly rotates with Clyde Edwards-Helaire as the starting back, and has caught multiple passes from Patrick Mahomes. Pacheco has been very effective while with the ball. The young rookie has shown the ability to effectively run both inside and outside the tackles. The most impressive part of his skill set has been the ability to be a weapon as a pass-catcher.
With that being said, his playing time has been limited as he has mainly been playing with the starting unit. This may mean that Chiefs’ fans will get a larger dose of Pacheco in the regular season than expected.
Isiah Pacheco has impressed so far in this preseason. Pacheco may see more time in the final preseason game. This game will most likely show the true starting lineup and rotating players for the season. As of now Pacheco is expected to see a share of snaps during the regular season and if he continues to impress may even dethrone Edwards-Helaire who has struggled with his health.
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