As the Kansas City Chiefs enter their offseason program, there is plenty of competition at running back. Six players are vying for a spot on the team — and any of them could carve out a role for themselves on this fall’s active roster or practice squad.
Let’s take a look at one of them: undrafted free agent Elijah Young of Western Kentucky.
Background
Coming out of South-Doyle High School in Knoxville, Tennessee, Young was a four-star recruit with offers from SEC schools like Tennessee, South Carolina, Kentucky and Missouri.
He ended choosing Missouri, but never really got his footing with the Tigers. He collected just 79 carries for 407 yards and one touchdown over three seasons in Columbia. Young then transferred to Western Kentucky. His first season with the Hilltoppers wasn’t spectacular — just 104 carries for 474 yards and three touchdowns — but in 2024, he finished with 883 yards and three touchdowns on 201 carries.
While he’s undersized at 5 feet 9 and 197 pounds, the pre-draft process revealed that Young is a solid athlete who brings plenty of speed and explosiveness.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Young’s best trait is his first-step explosiveness: when he gets the ball, he can quickly shift into his top gear, using his speed to get to the sideline and beat top-down angles. While Young really only plays in his fifth gear, he gets there very quickly — and his instant explosiveness helps him get to the edge.
Young runs with a low center of gravity. While he doesn’t have the size to break a large number of tackles, it’s tough for defensive backs to bring him down in the open field when Young throws his weight into the defender.
Despite his small size, Young presents a solid presence in pass protection. His eyes are always where they should be — and he’s not afraid to lay a big, physical chip.
How he fits with the Chiefs
In 2024, the Chiefs lacked speed (and explosive plays) from their backfield, so bringing in a player like Young makes sense. He is at his best running from shotgun, which fits Kansas City well.
But Young won’t be a shoo-in. To make the roster, he’ll have to show more as a receiver. Still, I like to see the Chiefs trying to find a player who could bring explosive runs to their offense.
So while it will be an uphill battle for Young to make the roster, there will be room for running backs on the practice squad roster — and with a good preseason, I think he can play his way into one of those spots.
