One of the more intriguing players to enter Chiefs training camp at Missouri Western University in St. Joeseph this season is rookie running back Isiah Pacheco. Drafted out of the seventh round of this year’s draft, Pacheco was graded as one of the fastest backs of the 2022 draft class, evidenced by his 4.37 40-yard dash time during the NFL combine this past spring.
After finishing the 2021 campaign raking 16th in the league in rushing, the Kansas City Chiefs hope the speedy tailback from Rutgers can fit right in with the veteran pairing of Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Ronald Jones II.
On Saturday, following the first day of rookie training camp, Pacheco spoke to reporters about his first day of NFL training camp and his transition towards practicing in the heat and humidity of typical summer days in the Midwest.
“It felt great,” Pacheco told reporters of his first practice. “Training in South [New] Jersey, it’s really hot out there right now, in the hundreds. So just taking advantage of the heat, practicing back at home, getting prepared for the camp, is something I took advantage of.”
While the rookie’s speed is sure to gain a lot of attention as camp progresses, Pacheco also received high grades from scouts for his ability to pass protect, something he credits Rutgers offensive line coach Augie Hoffman, who served as Pacheco’s position coach during his four seasons at the university.
“Coming from an offensive coach at the running back position, coach Augie [Hoffmann] definitely prepared me for the next level, and I feel like I’m at a good size to where I could take on blocking,” said Pacheco.
As he works to make the Chiefs’ opening day roster, Pacheco has yet to display his skill set to his new coaches but says he’s ready to contribute any way he can, whether as a ball carrier, a blocker, or a member on special teams.
“Nothing makes me different,” said Pacheco. “Just be the same guy, like I did before at Rutgers. And, you know, be a team player, whatever coach wants me to do, I’m gonna do it. And take advantage of any opportunities.”
For now, the Chiefs are running seven-on-seven drills since the only players on the practice field are rookies and quarterbacks (the rest of the team is expected to report to camp on Tuesday, July 26). Still, Pacheco says even the seven-on-seven practices will help him improve.
“Seven-on-seven helps you because whenever there’s a guy getting the ball down the field, what matters is the finish,” he said. “Go find that man with the ball and go follow him and get in shape.”
