With the additions to the running back room, is Carson Steele’s role with the Kansas City Chiefs in jeopardy?
The Kansas City Chiefs are entering the 2025 season with a running back corps brimming with promise, blending youth, speed, and explosiveness. With talents like Isiah Pacheco, Carson Steele, Brashard Smith, and Elijah Mitchell, Andy Reid’s team not only has depth but also possesses “beasts” capable of shifting the momentum of any game. Let’s dive into these young, dynamic “racers” and why they’re turning heads across the NFL.
Isiah Pacheco – The “Pop” of Explosiveness
Isiah Pacheco, nicknamed “Pop,” has established himself as one of the Chiefs’ top running backs since being selected in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Standing at 5’10” and weighing 216 lbs, Pacheco combines speed, power, and durability. In the 2023 season, he made his mark with 935 rushing yards and 9 touchdowns (7 rushing, 2 receiving), playing a key role in the Chiefs’ Super Bowl LVIII victory. However, a fibula injury in Week 2 of the 2024 season limited him to 310 yards over 7 games.
Now fully recovered, Pacheco enters the 2025 season under pressure in the final year of his rookie contract. Coach Andy Reid has noted that Pacheco could become an even better version of himself if he stays healthy. With his aggressive playing style, breakaway speed, and relentless drive, Pacheco remains the RB1 choice and is poised to reclaim his elite status.
Carson Steele – The Relentless “Machine”
Carson Steele, an undrafted free agent from UCLA, was a surprise addition to the Chiefs’ 53-man roster in 2024. Listed as a fullback, Steele showcased versatility at both running back and special teams. In his rookie season, he recorded 183 rushing yards on 56 carries and played 32% of special teams snaps, proving his value in high-impact situations requiring strength and endurance.
Steele excels in blocking and short-yardage runs but struggled with three fumbles early in 2024, which limited his role once Pacheco returned. At just 21 years old, with a year of experience under his belt, Steele is expected to improve his ball security and become a key piece of the Chiefs’ backfield in 2025.
Brashard Smith – A Raw Gem with Immense Potential
Brashard Smith, a seventh-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, is one of the most exciting additions to the Chiefs’ roster. Before transitioning to running back at SMU, Smith played wide receiver at Miami, bringing rare versatility. In his final season at SMU, he racked up 1,332 rushing yards with 14 touchdowns and added 327 receiving yards with 4 touchdowns, showcasing his explosiveness and multi-faceted skill set. With a 4.39-second 40-yard dash, Smith is a legitimate threat in open space.
Currently behind Pacheco, Kareem Hunt, and Elijah Mitchell on the depth chart, Smith is seen as a “secret weapon” for the Chiefs. His receiving skills and agility could be utilized by Andy Reid in special packages or as a kick returner. With proper coaching, Smith has the potential to become a new version of Pacheco, especially if he seizes opportunities in his rookie season.
Elijah Mitchell – Speed and an X-Factor
Elijah Mitchell, a free-agent signing from the San Francisco 49ers, adds an intriguing dimension to the Chiefs’ backfield. Averaging 6.2 yards per carry in the 2022 season with the 49ers, Mitchell proved his ability to break away when healthy. However, recurring injuries have hindered his consistency in recent years. Joining the Chiefs offers Mitchell a chance to revive his career, though he’ll face stiff competition to secure a prominent role in this talented backfield.
While not as strong in pass-catching or quarterback protection as some peers, Mitchell brings blazing speed and excels in outside runs. If he can stay healthy, he could serve as a quality backup for Pacheco or provide a spark in situations requiring a game-changing play.
Collective Strength and a Bright Future
The Chiefs’ current running back group is a perfect blend of experience and youth. While Pacheco and Mitchell offer speed and breakaway ability, Steele provides power and durability, and Smith brings versatility with untapped potential. Despite an inconsistent 2024 season due to Pacheco’s injury and Kareem Hunt’s uneven performance, the Chiefs have proactively bolstered their backfield to create a formidable unit for 2025.
With Patrick Mahomes at the helm and Andy Reid’s creative play-calling, the Chiefs’ young running backs are poised to be a highlight of the NFL next season. If Pacheco returns to peak form, Steele improves his consistency, Smith explodes as expected, and Mitchell stays healthy, the Chiefs will not only have a robust backfield but also a group of “racers” capable of overwhelming any defense.