Is Chiefs RB Darwin Thompson poised for a huge role in 2019?
By Bryan Perez
Kansas City Chiefs rookie RB Darwin Thompson has emerged as the likely backup behind Damien Williams to begin the 2019 NFL season.
It happens every season. A running back selected late in the NFL draft outplays his draft position and emerges as a productive option for his team. These guys are fantasy football league-winners and often become overnight superstars.
We may have this exact situation bubbling up in Kansas City, where Chiefs rookie RB Darwin Thompson has steadily climbed the depth chart this preseason. In fact, he may have already emerged as the top backup to begin the regular season.
According to ESPN’s Todd McShay, who’s part of the Chiefs’ preseason broadcast team, Thompson has caught the eye of GM Brett Veach and is the No. 2 guy behind Damien Williams.
“Brett Veach, the general manager, was really honest with me before the game,” McShay said. “And I was a little bit surprised, despite watching how good and explosive Darwin Thompson’s been. But he said, ‘Listen, (Thompson) is the No. 2. The reports are real. This guy has played so well that we think he’s going to be the No. 2.’”
It would be quite the story if Thompson leapfrogs Carlos Hyde, who was considered a bargain signing by the Chiefs and was at one point trending toward the starting job while Williams was nursing a hamstring injury.
Now, Hyde may not make the team.
Thompson (5-8, 200) had a productive 2018 season for Utah State when he finished with 1,044 yards and 14 touchdowns on the ground. He added 351 yards and two scores as a receiver. There was never any doubt about his explosive skill set.
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Kansas City selected Thompson in the sixth round, and like any Day-3 running back, his path to the final roster wasn’t exactly clear. That’s all changed now.
Thompson has flashed good speed, burst and enough tackle-breaking power to give the Chiefs a viable option if Williams and the rushing attack stalls. Through three games in the preseason, Thompson has 12 carries for 60 yards, three catches for 38 yards and a touchdown.