NFL 2018: 20 Running backs with best chance at 2,000 yards rushing

5. Kareem Hunt

Just imagine how different last season would have been for the Kansas City Chiefs if Kareem Hunt never filled in at running back after the rookie ended up being the surprise starter when Spencer Ware was lost for the year due to a knee injury. Taking a running back from a smaller school like Toledo can seem like a risk since some players struggle with the transition, but Hunt wasted no time making an impact as a rookie, and was a key reason behind the Chiefs making another run at the playoffs.

Even if his production took a bit of a hit at times in the middle of the season, the early experience by Hunt will benefit him in the long run when it comes to being the running back of the future in Kansas City. Watching Hunt end up finishing his first season by claiming the rushing title (1,327 yards) was completely unexpected around this time last year, and even though this would make him seem like a stronger candidate for the 2,000-yard mark, the youngster still has a lot to prove.

Just because Hunt’s rookie season was a successful one doesn’t mean he’s going to see the same results during his sophomore campaign. Not to mention, Hunt will be going through a bit of an adjustment as well with Patrick Mahomes II taking over the starting role at quarterback, although there isn’t that much concern since the Chiefs feel confident enough that he’s ready.