Deneric Prince is Set to Take a Bigger Role in 2024
Deneric Prince may have the inside track to the RB3..or RB2 spot on the Chiefs.
One of the biggest position battles that the Kansas City Chiefs are hoping to get some clarity on during Training Camp is the back-up running back spot. Isaiah Pacheco is the clear starter and workhorse of the group but everything behind him is entirely up for grabs as the Chiefs entered Training Camp just a few weeks ago.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire is going to have a role in the running back room but it’s not a guarantee he’s the direct back-up. Even if CEH is the RB2 on the team, there will be plenty of opportunities for other guys to get into the mix with the departure of Jerrick McKinnon. It’s been discussed all offseason that the Chiefs have a need for a third down running back that can pass protect and be a receiving threat out of the backfield. There may also be a need for a more dynamic open field runner to pair with Pacheco.
CEH has the receiving pedigree - at least going back to college - and has improved tremendously as a pass protector, but doesn’t necessarily scare teams in the open field as a runner or receiver. Louis Rees-Zammit has gotten a lot of well deserved fan fare during his first season with American Football, but he may still be a year away from having a notable impact on the offensive side of the ball. I had proposed earlier in the off-season that Keontay Ingram may be a sleeper for a big role in this RB room and while still possible, there has been a player standing out early on in Training Camp for the RB2 spot.
Deneric Prince has gotten the majority of the RB2 reps through the first week and change of training camp for the Chiefs and has looked good in the process. The latter part is nothing new for Prince who also turned heads last year but it looks like he’s taking the necessary next steps in his development this year.
Deneric Prince Film Study: Making a Case for RB2
It has to be stated, there is very little NFL film to go on with Prince in the NFL. He only played - sparingly - in three pre-season games as a rookie before not seeing any offensive snaps during the year. It’s all about flashes and the hope of development with Prince but given his consistent place in the rotation during camp, he may be taking the strides needed.
Big Play Threat
Neither of these two plays go for massive gains but Prince’s dynamic rushing ability can be seen even on just these two plays. His ability to accelerate to top speed quickly makes him dangerous on Outside Zone runs. The most impressive aspect of these runs is how he is able to continue to accelerate while working on a curvilinear path when rounding the corner.