The Kansas City Chiefs used one of their three seventh-round draft picks in the 2022 NFL Draft to select Isiah Pacheco, a running back from Rutgers, with selection No. 251. Pacheco’s path to playing time appeared steep since the Chiefs already had former first-round selection Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Jerick McKinnon and Ronald Jones on the roster. Pacheco could have been just another depth piece on a team looking to make a run at the Super Bowl. Instead, he followed through on a promise he made the day he was selected; he took another grown man’s job.

One of the main reasons Pacheco was overlooked by NFL teams was his lack of production in college. As a freshman at Rutgers, Pacheco was primarily used as a kick returner, where he thrived, averaging 19.3 yards per return. He was able to add 111 carries for 551 yards to his resume during his freshman season as well. Pacheco’s best collegiate season came in 2019 when he rushed for 729 yards in 169 attempts and had seven touchdowns on the ground. He also added 13 catches for 85 yards that year.

He flashed signs of greatness at times, but it obviously wasn’t enough for teams to take a chance on him through the first six rounds of the draft. Heck, even the Chiefs passed on him once in the seventh round before snagging him a little bit later. Pacheco would go into his rookie season in the NFL with something to prove.

Pacheco started the season down the depth chart. However, after a couple of strong showings early in the season, including 12 carries for 62 yards and a touchdown in Week 1, Pacheco was able to take over the starting role midway through the season.

It was a Week 7 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers when Pacheco was able to pass Edwards-Helaire on the depth chart and get his first NFL start. He struggled a bit in his first two weeks as the starter, but head coach Andy Reid and company stuck by him and it paid off as the season rolled along. Pacheco finished the regular season with 830 yards rushing and had over 1,000 yards on the ground if you include his 197 postseason rushing yards. He scored five times in the regular season and had an important touchdown in the Chiefs’ 38-35 Super Bowl win over the Philadelphia Eagles.

After the season was over, it was revealed that Pacheco played through significant injuries during his rookie year. He played most of the season with a torn labrum that required surgery two weeks after the season ended. He also played in the Super Bowl with a broken hand, an injury he suffered during the AFC Championship game. Pacheco’s toughness showed out in a big way during his rookie season. Out at training camp on Thursday, Pacheco was asked about his injuries and he told the media that he would “absolutely be ready to go” for Week 1.

That is good news for the Chiefs, who will try to get the most out of a running back who will likely have a limited NFL shelf life. The Chiefs have Pacheco at the top of the depth chart, while also bringing back McKinnon and Edwards-Helaire. The Chiefs added undrafted Tulsa running back Denric Prince to the squad to compete for a spot on the team, and from all accounts, he has been looking good throughout the summer.

What will it take for Pacheco to make that second-year jump? We know he can play through pain and injuries, but staying as healthy as possible to maximize his strength and brutal running style will be key. If he can start and play 15-16 games this season, his productivity will jump considerably and he should be able to achieve his goal of 1,000 yards rushing in the regular season.

There will still be a split in playing time throughout the running back room. McKinnon looked excellent as the pass-catching running back last season. Edwards-Helaire will be fighting for a job and showcasing his talents for his second contract. Prince will be trying to do what Pacheco did during his rookie season, rising up the depth chart as the season progresses. However, Pacheco will be the man who gets the most carries in that backfield if all goes according to plan. 1,500 total yards and 10 total touchdowns is not out of the question for Pacheco. He has the talent and grit to become one of the ascending running backs in the NFL during his second season in the league.

With MVP quarterback Patrick Mahomes throwing the ball all over the field and defenses needing to focus on limiting him as much as they can, Pacheco should be able to find plenty of opportunities to make plays in 2023. The Chiefs have a solid offensive line to give him room to run, but he also has the unique ability to bounce off tacklers and create yards after contact. Pacheco has all the makings of a player who can continue to make a name for himself in the middle of one of the best offenses in the NFL. He just needs to capitalize on the opportunities ahead of him in his second season.