Isiah Pacheco: The Next Big Thing in Football? Rookie Running Back Analysis

NJ Advance Media

Our thoughts on Kansas City Chiefs' rookie running back, Isiah Pacheco.

"We like his strength/speed combo, and Darryl even made a mild running-style comparison to Matt Forte."

Measurables:

• 5'10" 216 lbs

• 22 years old

• 30 1/2" arms, 9 1/4" hands, 73 7/8" wingspan

• Pro Day/Combine: 4.37 40, 33" Vert, 9'10" Broad, 4.27 Shuttle, 27 (!!!) Bench

• 3-year starter but stats don't jump off the page; Rutgers offensive line was terrible

Strengths:

• Pacheco is absolutely ripped and obviously spends a lot of time in the gym

• Great short-area agility helps to make lateral cuts away from traffic

• Excellent acceleration once he finds a lane; 4.37 speed

• Fights through contact and a physical finisher in the open field; 27 bench reps

• 100+ carries each season and only fumbled once in the last 3

• Didn't give up many pressures in pass protection

Weaknesses:

• Isiah can be overly aggressive and run himself into trouble at times

• Not a lot of big gains; Only 8.9% of carries were 10+ yards in '21

• Soft hands, but saw him drop some easy passes; wasn't used a lot in pass game

• Never averaged better than 5 yards per carry in a season

• Hasn't played on special teams since his freshman season

• Patience and pace is lacking; Pacheco must play with better control in the NFL

Scouting Report

Isiah Pacheco is getting all the hype out of Chiefs camp and only gaining steam every day. He's a fast, energetic rusher with good toughness and isn't a liability in pass protection; important when blocking for Pat Mahomes. We like his strength/speed combo, and Darryl even made a mild running-style comparison to Matt Forte. I think if he can add some patience to his game the Chiefs could really have something in Pacheco. Grab him up in the 3rd round of rookie drafts while you can.