Kansas City Chiefs: Kareem Hunt could be NFL’s most productive rookie
The Kansas City Chiefs have a gem on their hands in running back Kareem Hunt, who could wind up being the NFL’s most productive rookie RB…
Kareem Hunt is the highest running back drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the Andy Reid era, and thus the most significant post-Jamaal Charles investment plan.
The expectations are high.
As of the end of the Chiefs’ first mini-camp with rookies involved, the reports back on Hunt were very positive. Coming out of Toledo, we knew this was a player that had excellent balance, vision, quickness, and hands. What may have been overlooked is just how impactful he is capable of being his first year as a pro.
Here’s a fun opinion for you…
!!! @adamteicher on Chiefs RBs: "I think [Kareem] Hunt will lead the team in rushing this year...will be their leading pass catcher [at RB]"
— Mike Clay (@MikeClayNFL) May 20, 2017
Spencer Ware, Charcandrick West, and C.J. Spiller will have something to say about the number of touches Hunt receives, but it’ll be up to them to fend off the hungry young third round pick out of Toledo.
We’ve seen just how productive running backs are capable of being in Andy Reid’s offense, especially when they add value as a receiver out of the backfield. With Hunt’s skills as a one-cut runner that has vision and deceptive elusiveness, as well as soft hands out of the backfield, we could be looking at the most productive rookie in the league offensively this year.
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I don’t say that as just hyperbole, either.
The Chiefs have been a breeding ground for success at running back since Jamaal Charles came to town and Andy Reid took over as head coach. Whether it was Charles, Spencer Ware (street free agent in 2014), or Charcandrick West (college free agent in 2015), the Chiefs have always found ways to have multiple capable and productive running backs.
So what’s their secret?
The scheme Andy Reid employs offensively is highly favorable and Kansas City has the pieces in place for Hunt to be successful. The aforementioned Ware finished last season with over 1,300 total yards of offense.
No slight to Ware’s talent as a runner, but Hunt’s ability is a bit more dynamic.
I think Hunt has the ability as a rookie to lead the Chiefs in rushing and also prove himself as a dynamic pass catching option out of the backfield. Andy Reid is going to waste no time making him a value piece of an offense that has a bunch of speed and playmaking ability already.