Jerick McKinnon

When Kansas City drafts a pass-capable running back, you pay attention, and we’ve seen this story hit before. Jerick McKinnon averaged over 16 fantasy points per game (FPPG) in the final six weeks of the 2022 season, largely on the back of receiving work. That role exists in this offense — it’s not theoretical. While we chased it last year and got burned, it happens. The difference here is Eric Bieniemy is back in the mix; he was the architect of that role in 2022. Kenneth Walker is now a member of the Chiefs and is assumed to have that role, but the backup spot is up for grabs at the moment. The Chiefs just got the perfect duo to Kenneth Walker in Emmett Johnson . 🤫 His 31 touch, 232 yard, 3 TD game vs UCLA: pic.twitter.com/J6FehpLAYr — Football Performances (@NFLPerformances) April 25, 2026 Johnson’s profile lines up with exactly what that job requires. During his breakout season in 2025, he rushed for 1,450 yards while amassing 46 receptions (not just checkdowns — real involvement). More impressive? The 89 missed tackles forced and 740 yards after contact. I’m not expecting Johnson to carve out a significant role in a healthy backfield, but if he pops early in the work he is given, the upside is immense for the Richfield, MN product if there ever were an injury in front of him. That’s exactly the kind of late 2nd round, early 3rd round bet I want to be placing in this year’s rookie drafts. Singleton’s draft capital doesn’t match the talent. A broken foot at the Senior Bowl likely suppressed his stock, but the profile is strong: That’s a real workload history with genuine efficiency behind it, especially considering he shared a backfield with Kaytron Allen (Commanders, No. 187 overall). Talent aside, the landing spot is what has me excited for Singleton. With both Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears set to hit free agency after the season, there’s a very clear runway for this backfield to turn over. Stack on top the precedence we have with Titan’s offensive coordinator Brian Daboll manufacturing production from Day 3 running backs: Cam Skattebo was a fourth-round pick in 2025, Tyrone Tracy Jr. a fifth in 2024, Zack Moss was a third, as was Devin Singletary . This year’s rookie might be the guy we look at a year from now as the pick of the later rounds in your rookie drafts. Claiborne is one of those players whose production doesn’t jump off the page immediately, but the more you look, the more it makes sense. His role at Wake Forest grew every year, culminating in 907 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns, ending his senior year with an impressive 5.1 yards per carry (Y/C). He also brings pass-catching upside, as he reeled in 28 balls for 140 yards. He’s not built to run through defenders — he’s built to avoid them. Quick feet, good pacing, and an ability to manipulate angles show up consistently on tape. As is the case with most Day 3 winners, the landing spot is doing most of the work here. Minnesota’s backfield could reset after this season, with both Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason on expiring deals. Given Jones’ injury history, there’s also contingent upside if things break Claiborne’s way even sooner. The Virginia transplant isn’t a must-draft in shallow leagues, but in deeper formats, this is exactly the type of stash that can flip in value with one depth chart shift. The Raiders didn’t meaningfully add to their pass-catching group. Malik Benson , the only wide receiver they drafted, profiles as more of a field-stretcher. His one-dimensional style is probably what earned him seventh-round draft capital. The organization declined to add a high-end target earner. That leaves a lot of opportunity on the table. A “draft Brock Bowers no matter” what post High end outcome: The 2026 version of JSN but with TE eligibility and is THE League Winner. Low end outcome: A top 3 TE as long as he remains healthy. Has averaged 15+ PPG in 29 games as a Pro – on offenses not run by Klint Kubiak. https://t.co/pbkart3zNY — Theo Gremmin [... truncated ...]

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