A seventh-round rookie has been turning heads at Kansas City Chiefs training camp so far.
Isiah Pacheco has flashed throughout training camp, earning an increasing number of opportunities working with Patrick Mahomes and the first-team offense. The Rutgers product has earned some big praise from the Chiefs’ offensive coaching staff and the team’s veteran players at the position.
Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Chiefs HC Andy Reid went into a bit more detail about Pacheco’s skill set. He explained that there are a few things he does well which will translate to the NFL level.
“Yeah, I think the things you’re guaranteed of are he’s going to run hard,” Reid said of Pacheco. “That’s what he’s going to do. Will he have to learn the different schemes and how they work against certain defenses and at times be patient? He’ll learn that. But, you’re guaranteed he’s going to run hard. He’s a good catcher, so he can catch the football. The rest of all that we can work with, and he’s doing that now. He’s learning the feel of it.”
Pacheco is still learning, but it seems he’s further along than many expect a seventh-round rookie to be at this point. Many are wondering whether he can crack the starting running back rotation during the season. Reid noted that the team is in a good spot with their running back depth regardless.
“I like the depth at running back,” Reid said. “Yeah, no, I like it. Again, I’m curious to see those guys compete in games. But we know a couple of them because they’ve been here and we’re learning about the other two – or three I guess you’d say. It looks like a good group.”
The preseason will be very important for the running backs and Reid remains anxious to see all of the players, including Pacheco in live game action.
