Injuries revealed the lack of depth in Kansas City’s backfield last season. The Chiefs responded by signing Elijah Mitchell and drafting Brashard Smith to join the trio of Kareem Hunt, Isiah Pacheco and Carson Steele. However, all those half-measures don’t guarantee long-term stability at the position. The Chiefs should remain in the running back market in the 2026 NFL draft.
The upcoming draft class lacks top-end running back talent but offers decent depth in the middle rounds. Wake Forest Demon Deacons running back Demond Claiborne is one of several prospects at his position who project as a fourth round pick. That makes him an affordable addition to Kansas City’s backfield and leaves the Chiefs with flexibility when making their four other top 150 selections.
Claiborne is unofficially listed at 5’10”, 200 lbs. He isn’t a true three-down back, but his crazy agility and twitch make him a strong complementary piece for any backfield.
Claiborne is a patient runner with the foot speed and loose lower half to make sudden adjustments behind the line of scrimmage. His lateral explosiveness helps him quickly exchange gaps. Tackling Claiborne in a phone booth is a nightmare. His twitch and creativity help him string together multiple cuts and make defenders miss.
Claiborne’s burst falls short of elite, but he wins the majority of his foot races to the corner. His speed stresses pursuit angles from second level defenders, and he possesses the athletic ability to access sharp cutback lanes to extend runs. Claiborne is an elusive runner who uses head and shoulder fakes, spin moves and his natural wiggle to leave defenders grasping at air.
Claiborne is underdeveloped as a pass catcher but has the speed to stack linebackers on wheel routes or down the seam. His size limits his effectiveness in pass protection, but he identifies threats well. Claiborne needs to take another step to prove he can play on obvious passing downs, but his foundation suggests he will grow into this role.
Claiborne’s processing speed and lack of urgency create a lot of negative plays. He is too patient behind the line of scrimmage, which allows defenders to rally to the football. Running lanes are already closing by the time Claiborne decides to enter them. He must be more decisive and play downhill more often.
Claiborne’s burst and speed encounter some limitations that prevent him from turning big plays into touchdowns. He hits a good amount of singles and doubles but lacks that final gear to crush home runs.