Chiefs News 1/15: Missing out on running back last draft was big deal

The Chiefs had an opportunity to draft a talented back last year.

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As Chiefs struggled to unexpected season, these 3 small things became a big deal | The Athletic

Striking out on a need in Round 4

That left a fourth-round pick likely earmarked for running back. Heck, general manager Brett Veach even said before the draft that there was a “good chance” he would use one of his picks on that position, noting specifically that the draft class had good talent in Rounds 1-5.

The Chiefs, specifically, would be looking for more of a home-run threat there after struggling with

getting explosive runs in the 2024 season.

Then they watched a surge on running backs in Round 4, right before their pick at No. 133.

NFL teams took six running backs in that round. That included Trevor Etienne to the Panthers, Woody Marks to the Texans and Dylan Sampson to the Browns — three players who would’ve been great fits for the type of back the Chiefs needed.

K.C. ended up pivoting with its fourth-round pick to take receiver Jalen Royals — the top-rated playmaker left on its draft board. Veach later traded up in the seventh round to select SMU running back Brashard Smith, though he’s more of a running back/receiver hybrid.

Three initial questions for the Kansas City Chiefs’ offseason after playoff miss | The Kansas City Star

What will the Chiefs do at quarterback with Mahomes in rehab mode?

Kansas City’s backup quarterback position will never be more important than this offseason, as Mahomes focuses on ACL and LCL rehab that will likely sideline him until at least the middle of training camp.

With this player possibly needing to start the beginning of the regular season, Chris Oladokun proved to be a non-answer, and Gardner Minshew, whose season ended due to a non-displaced tibial plateau fracture, was only on a one-year contract.

While Minshew could return, Reid could consider Marcus Mariota, who started eight games for the Washington Commanders in 2025 and has the mobility and decisiveness Reid likes in a quarterback. Tyler Huntley is another option, as he went 2-0 in his two starts for Baltimore.

If Reid favors experience over athleticism, Joe Flacco and Jimmy Garoppolo are also due for free agency. Regardless, the Chiefs will be under more pressure to get this decision right than usual.

Jason, Travis Kelce announce new book: What it’s about | ABC News

The pair, famous for their massively successful NFL careers and hit podcast, are releasing a brand-new book, on sale June 2, 2026, according to a press release from William Morrow, an imprint of HarperCollins publishers.

The book, titled “No Dumb Questions: And All of Our Dumbest Answers,” is based on a segment of the brothers’ “New Heights” podcast where the brothers answer questions from fans.

“We’re still wrapping our heads around being able to call ourselves published authors,” Jason and Travis Kelce said in a statement included in the release. “When we started the ‘No Dumb Questions’ segment on ‘New Heights,’ never in our wildest dreams did we think it would become a book sitting on your coffee table. But we’ve had a blast with it, and we’re stoked the 92%ers can take home a little piece of the podcast, including some too ridiculous to make it on the show.”

Chiefs Mock Draft: KC selects Miami Hurricanes stars with early picks | Chiefs Wire

Round 1, Pick No. 9: Miami Hurricanes OL Francis Mauigoa

The Chiefs further reinforce their offensive line by selecting Mauigoa in Round 1. While this pick may be a bit of a reach, Mauigoa has all the traits that scouts look for in elite offensive linemen and may prove to be the most prudent selection.

Round 2, Pick No. 40: Missouri Tigers EDGE Zion Young

Veach stays close to home with Kansas City’s second selection and gives Young an excellent opportunity to develop into a dynamo edge rusher under defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.

Around the NFL

QB Dante Moore opts against NFL draft, returning to Oregon | ESPN

“With this decision, mainly all my life has just been about being as most prepared as I can for any situation I go into,” Moore told “SportsCenter.” “And when it comes to me making my decision, I just want to do what’s best for my situation, especially as a quarterback.

“With my decision, it’s been very tough. I’ve prayed a lot about it, talked to many people — my mentors and people I look up to. With that being said, of course I’ll be coming back to Oregon for one more year, being able to play for the Oregon Ducks and reach our goal and be national champions.”

Wednesday was the deadline for underclassmen not playing in the College Football Playoff championship game to declare for the draft.

Two-time Pro Bowl WR Adam Thielen retiring from NFL after 13 seasons | NFL.com

“What a ride it has been!” the 35-year-old wrote on Instagram. “13 years what a blessing! Have been blessed with so many great relationships and mentors over the years that I am forever grateful for! Thank you to everyone who has supported me through the years it has meant everything to my family and I!”

The writing was on the wall for Thielen, who said he was “winding down” his career last May and was later traded to the Vikings just before the 2025 season in what was set up to be a befitting swan song.

It was in Minnesota where Thielen got his chance as an undrafted free agent in 2013. After spending his first year on the Vikings’ practice squad and the next couple of seasons looming on the depth chart, Thielen seized opportunity in 2016 when Stefon Diggs went down with an injury and he showed he was ready for more playing time.

In case you missed it on Arrowhead Pride

3 lessons from the Wild Card round from which the Chiefs could learn

1. The importance of heavier personnel on offense

Over the last few years, heavier personnel for NFL offenses has been a trend. The best units have found more personnel packages to utilize multiple tight ends or physical running backs to counter defenses built on pass coverage.

The Chicago Bears drafted tight ends Colston Loveland 10th overall in last year’s draft. The offense also features tight ends Durham Smythe and Cole Kmet. Loveland is talented enough to split wide and play receiver, while Smythe and Kmet can play in-line and block. They are key players to Chicago’s elite run game.

The Los Angeles Rams have four viable tight ends: Tyler Higbee, Davis Allen, Colby Parkenson and Terrance Ferguson. To help the running game, head coach Sean McVay has introduced more multi-tight end sets. With wide receivers Davante Adams and Puka Nacua, the Rams always have a viable No. 1 receiver on the field while the tight ends block or get open downfield from play action.