The Kansas City Chiefs are poised to supercharge their already dynamic offense with a jaw-dropping addition in the 2026 NFL Draft. According to Pro Football Sports Network analyst Brentley Weissman, the Chiefs are projected to select Oklahoma’s electrifying dual-threat running back Jaydn Ott, a 3,300-yard playmaker who could redefine Kansas City’s backfield and send shockwaves through the NFL.

Jaydn Ott, a former California standout who transferred to Oklahoma, is no ordinary running back. Over three seasons at Cal, Ott amassed a staggering 2,597 rushing yards and 24 rushing touchdowns, while also showcasing his versatility with 95 receptions for 736 yards and six additional scores. With over 3,300 all-purpose yards, Ott’s ability to dominate as both a rusher and a receiver makes him a perfect fit for Andy Reid’s high-octane offense.

Oklahoma general manager Jim Nagy didn’t hold back when praising Ott’s explosive potential. “He’s really a gamebreaker,” Nagy told 247 Sports. “You can’t have enough guys who can make explosive plays, and the game is won on explosive plays and the ability to stop explosive plays. He can score from anywhere on the field. He really can. He’s one of those guys.” With a projected Day 2 draft pick status, Ott could climb even higher with another standout season in 2025.

The Chiefs have already taken bold steps to bolster their running game this offseason, signing former San Francisco 49ers running back Elijah Mitchell and drafting SMU’s Brashard Smith, a converted wide receiver with blazing speed and versatility. These moves signal Kansas City’s commitment to building a multifaceted backfield that complements Patrick Mahomes’ passing prowess.

Isiah Pacheco, the Chiefs’ incumbent starting running back, is thrilled about the depth and flexibility in the backfield heading into the 2025 season. “Oh, it’s phenomenal,” Pacheco told SI.com. “We got guys that you can’t depend on, as far as saying that they’re only doing one thing. You can’t say that about us. You got guys just playing all different roles, just having fun with it and just competing.”

Pacheco has taken rookie Brashard Smith under his wing, helping him navigate the transition to the NFL. “I had that similar role when I came in here,” Pacheco said. “It’s finding ways to get better, and that’s on the special teams, wherever it may be. Building a relationship with guys so you could learn a little bit more about them, and as far as the game itself — competing.”

The Chiefs’ running game showed cracks last season, particularly after Pacheco’s midseason injury. SI.com’s Zak Gilbert noted that Kansas City struggled with explosiveness, ranking dead last in the NFL for runs of 10 or more yards. Even Mahomes’ brilliance couldn’t fully mask the deficiency, as Philadelphia’s defense exposed the Chiefs’ lackluster ground game in the Super Bowl.

“Screens and run-pass options didn’t materialize as extensions of the run game, and Kansas City knew it had to create something different,” Gilbert wrote. “The Chiefs know they have to run the ball much more effectively.” Enter Jaydn Ott, whose dynamic skill set could be the missing piece to elevate Kansas City’s offense to new heights.

With Ott’s arrival in 2026, the Chiefs are poised to create matchup nightmares for opposing defenses. His ability to break off long runs, catch passes out of the backfield, and score from anywhere on the field will give Mahomes a versatile weapon unlike any other. Paired with the speed of Smith, the power of Mitchell, and the leadership of Pacheco, Kansas City’s backfield could become the most dangerous in the NFL.

As the Chiefs aim for a historic three-peat, the addition of Jaydn Ott signals their intent to dominate on all fronts. Buckle up, NFL—this new weapon in Kansas City is about to terrify defenses everywhere.