Chiefs RB Kenneth Walker III disrespected in new ranking

The Kansas City Chiefs struck gold when they signed Super Bowl MVP-winning running back Kenneth Walker III in free agency. It was a move that showed they mean business. The Chiefs didn't even make it to the playoffs during the 2025-26 season, so to see them immediately sign one of the best running backs in the league made a statement.

Considering Walker just won a Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks, one would think the Michigan State University product would be considered inside the top five running backs in the NFL. But, one would be wrong.

Jeremy Fowler of ESPN has released a ranking of the NFL's best running backs for 2026, as selected by execs, coaches and scouts. In the piece, out on Monday, July 6, you won't believe where Walker falls.

Kenneth Walker III of the Kansas City Chiefs deserves a higher spot

In the ranking, Walker comes in at No. 9. That's good but not good enough. He just won the championship and was the Super Bowl MVP. No. 9? That seems low. But, the report notes that Walker has averaged 15.2 carries per game for his career, which is a bit low, but that could go up with the Chiefs.

Regardless of being No. 9, there were glowing words for Walker. 

"He reminds me a lot of a mix between peak Kareem Hunt and Maurice Jones-Drew," an AFC executive said, according to the report. "Dense lower body, fast enough, tough to bring down. Not sure how his game will age yet, but he should be good this year."

So, Walker has a chance to prove himself again with the Chiefs, even though he's already done that time and time again with the Seahawks and Michigan State before then.