As the NFL Scouting Combine kicks into gear, one thing is already crystal clear in Kansas City — Chiefs fans want help in the backfield, and they want it now.
A new SB Nation Reacts poll has revealed that running back is firmly at the top of fans’ wish list, with supporters urging the Kansas City Chiefs to add an established, proven back rather than waiting on an untested rookie.
And that’s not the only message fans are sending to the front office.
🏃♂️ Running Back Anxiety Takes Over Combine Week
According to the weekly fan survey, Chiefs supporters are overwhelmingly focused on upgrading the running back room — and not just with college star Jeremiyah Love.
The results suggest that if Kansas City makes a major move at running back before the NFL Draft, Love is unlikely to be the pick at No. 9, as fans would prefer the position addressed through free agency or a trade.
In short:
✔ Experience over potential
✔ Certainty over development
✔ Impact now — not later
After an inconsistent ground game last season, many fans believe adding a reliable runner could be the missing piece to balance the offense and take pressure off the passing attack.
🛡️ Draft Focus Turns to Defense
While running back dominates conversations, the poll also revealed a strong consensus on how the Chiefs should approach the 2026 Draft overall.
When asked whether Kansas City should prioritize offense or defense with its six current draft picks, nearly two-thirds of fans voted for defense.
The reasoning?
Fans believe offensive needs can be addressed more easily through free agency, while the draft should be used to inject youth, speed, and depth into a defense that showed cracks late last season.
Fresh legs.
Fresh talent.
Fresh identity.
📊 Fans Feel the Window Is Still Open
The tone of the poll suggests Chiefs fans are not panicking — but they are strategic.
There’s a strong sense that the Super Bowl window remains open, but only if the roster is fine-tuned, not rebuilt. An established running back, paired with defensive reinforcements through the draft, is seen as the fastest path back to contention.
With Combine performances unfolding and free agency looming, the pressure is now on the Chiefs’ decision-makers to align with fan expectations — or risk frustration growing louder.
👀 What Happens Next?
As Combine Week continues and front offices across the league begin shaping their boards, Kansas City finds itself at a familiar crossroads:
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Do they spend money to secure a proven running back?
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Do they save draft capital for defense?
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Or do they gamble on upside — and patience?
Chiefs fans have already cast their vote.
Now, it’s over to the front office.
👇 READ MORE — full poll results, fan reactions, and what this means for the Chiefs’ draft strategy 👇
