Chiefs add running back depth before Day 2 of NFL Draft

The Kansas City Chiefs have added a new running back to the depth chart in former Minnesota Viking and San Francisco 49er Jerick McKinnon.

McKinnon might not be as exciting of an addition as a potential draft pick on either Friday or Saturday, but he does bring a veteran presence to a backfield that already features Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Darrel Williams. McKinnon should be in good shape to compete right away for carries behind those two.

While his best seasons were in 2016 and 2017 with the Vikings, in which he topped 500 yards on both occasions behind Adrian Peterson and Dalvin Cook, McKinnon was able to sign on with the Niners last year after missing several seasons due to injury. McKinnon tore his ACL in 2018 and LCL in 2019, along with a host of other injuries. By no means can he be relied upon to take the brunt of carries, but as a seldom-used backup he can supply a solid change of pace to the run game when called upon.

Chiefs continue to surround Patrick Mahomes with talent

Not that McKinnon will be that much of a difference maker, but we dare you to find any holes remaining on this offense. The Chiefs addressed their largest need this offseason on the offensive line, by trading for Orlando Brown and signing Joe Thuney, among others.

At this point, anything done in the draft is just the cherry on top offensively.

The Chiefs offer McKinnon a chance to re-establish himself in the league as a solid backup, should he earn that opportunity out of training camp. CEH and Williams are both under 26 years of age, and McKinnon did serve as a capable receiving threat at his height, catching 51 balls for 421 yards and two touchdowns at his peak with Minnesota.