As the Kansas City Chiefs prepare for another offseason of roster decisions, general manager Brett Veach made his priorities crystal clear at the NFL Combine this week. Speaking to reporters, Veach emphasized the team’s need to establish a more dynamic rushing attack, a strategic shift designed to ease the burden on quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
“Certainly, we want to get more explosive in the run game,” Veach said. “It would take a lot of pressure off of Pat.”
The Chiefs’ focus on upgrading their ground game comes at a critical juncture. Both Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt are set to become free agents when the market opens on March 11, leaving Kansas City’s backfield depth uncertain. While the team has invested heavily in its interior offensive line, Veach believes the next step is finding a playmaker who can capitalize on that foundation.
Investment in the Trenches Paying Dividends
Veach pointed to the team’s recent commitment to strengthening the offensive line, particularly the interior positions, as a key factor in their plans moving forward.
“We’ve invested in that interior,” Veach said. “We thought Kingsley made a big step. Taking advantage of those interior three to kind of impose your will on an opposing team’s defense, I mean, the running game takes a lot of pressure off of everybody.”
The reference to Kingsley Suamataia, the team’s second-year guard, underscores the organization’s belief that the infrastructure is in place. Now, they need the right talent in the backfield to maximize that investment.
Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love Emerges as Top Target
When discussing potential solutions, Veach didn’t shy away from naming names. Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love has clearly caught the attention of the Chiefs’ front office. Love posted impressive numbers last season, rushing for 1,372 yards and 18 touchdowns while also contributing 280 receiving yards and three touchdown catches.
“Some of the best players in the draft are at non-premium positions when you look at the Ohio State linebacker, the Notre Dame running back, the safety at Ohio State,” Veach said. “Those are really, really good players. It’s hard to find faults with their tape.”
ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper has projected that the Chiefs will select Love with their ninth overall pick when the NFL Draft begins in late April in Pittsburgh. If Kansas City follows through, it would represent a significant investment in the position and signal a philosophical shift toward a more balanced offensive attack.
Sticking to the Draft Philosophy
Despite the obvious need at running back and the allure of top-tier talent like Love, Veach stressed that the Chiefs won’t deviate from their established draft strategy.
“We’ll stick to the old mantra,” Veach said. “Take the best player available.”
That approach has served Kansas City well throughout Veach’s tenure, helping the organization build a championship-caliber roster. However, the convergence of need and talent at the running back position could make Love an obvious choice if he’s available when the Chiefs are on the clock.
What This Means for the Offseason
With free agency set to begin in mid-March and the draft following in April, the Chiefs face crucial decisions in the coming weeks. The potential departure of both Pacheco and Hunt would leave a significant void, one that Kansas City appears prepared to address through the draft rather than free agency.
The emphasis on explosiveness in the run game also suggests the Chiefs are looking to evolve their offensive identity. While Mahomes remains the focal point, a more potent rushing attack could open up play-action opportunities and provide balance that makes the offense even more difficult to defend.
As Veach noted, reducing the pressure on Mahomes benefits everyone. After years of relying heavily on the star quarterback’s arm and improvisation, the Chiefs seem ready to build a more sustainable offensive foundation, one that keeps their franchise player healthier and more effective for years to come.
The next few months will reveal whether Love ends up in Kansas City or if the Chiefs pursue another path. Either way, Veach’s comments at the Combine made one thing abundantly clear: the run game is about to become a much bigger priority in Kansas City.
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