NFL Draft Report: Should Kansas City Grab A Back In The 3rd?
With Jamaal Charles set to come back at running back next season a starter in the backfield isn’t a draft priority for Kansas City. But as last season showed, a little insurance doesn’t hurt, and as 2010, with Thomas Jones showed, a 1-2 punch is better than a one-man show. So are there any backs GM Scott Pioli could target below the cream of the crop? Here are four backs that ESPN’s Scouts Inc. ranks anywhere from #65 to #100 on the overall draft board, meaning they could be available for Kansas City in the third round…
Isaiah Pead (Cincinnati): He’s only 193 pounds, so durability would be a concern, but if you’re looking for a change-of-pace back Pead can fill the bill. He’s shifty between the tackles and can make things happen if he finds the open field. He’s a good pass catcher if you want to bring him in on third downs. The areas of improvement would be pass-blocking, particularly if you want to use him as a third-down back, and showing more patience in letting holes develop in front of him.
Bernard Pierce (Temple): At 5’11” 216 pounds, he’s got the least concern with his build and he’s fast enough to play at the NFL level. The scouts love his natural feel for the flow of play as he looks to cut back and create running lanes. Where Pierce has a big learning curve is in all aspects of the passing game, as he was often substituted for in obvious passing situations at Temple.
Chris Polk (Washington): He’s the best of the backs reviewed here as far as durability to be an every down player. But his skill set doesn’t make it likely he’ll ascend to that level. His lateral movement is suspect, and that’s not something you can teach in the pros. He’s at his best running on a straight line, and it’s tough to see using a pick this high on someone who can’t cut back effectively.
LaMichael James (Oregon): I was surprised to see him rank this low, but that’s because I’d forgotten about his brush-ins with the law until I read the scouting report. That’s reason enough to red-flag him, as is the fact that he’ll need to transiton from Oregon’s run-and-gun spread offense to a conventional pro-style. The upside here is huge—he has all the physical tools, he can catch passes and he runs hard—but do you take the risk he blows up in your face?
James is certainly intriguing and the third round is late enough to take a risk on someone who has first-round talent. But if Pioli makes the decision to go with a back, Pead is the one I would pick among this group. He’s the ideal complement to Charles.
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