The NFL season is creeping up fast, and get this: Tyreke Smith, a guy the Seattle Seahawks picked up in the fifth round back in 2022, is now rocking jersey number 57 for the Chiefs. After getting cut in the preseason, Smith landed on their practice squad last year and even made it to the active roster for the final two games. It’s a journey, right? We’re 57 days out from the Chiefs’ season opener against the Broncos, and Smith’s story is a reminder of how quickly things change in this league.
From Emerald City Pick to Chiefs #57
It’s always wild to see where former Emerald City hopefuls end up. Smith’s path highlights the grind. But he’s not the only memorable #57 in Chiefs history. Think about Orlando Brown Jr., whose trade from the Ravens for a short two-year stay made a massive difference. That guy stabilized their offensive line right after the dreadful Super Bowl LV performance, and his contributions were key to a championship. Then there’s Mike Maslowski, a linebacker and special teams monster who went from Division III and Arena Football to the NFL, even setting their single-season tackle record with 162 in 2002. He only started one full season and battled a knee issue in 2003, which ultimately ended his career. It’s a position steeped in history, no doubt.
The 57% Problem and Kenneth Walker’s Unforgettable Burst
Now, let’s talk numbers, because there’s another huge ’57’ popping up in the Chiefs’ world: Kareem Hunt’s 57% success rate on rushing attempts last season. That put him sixth among qualified NFL running backs. Yeah, a “successful” run on short-yardage plays helps that number, but it also screams “high floor, low ceiling” for their run game. You know what I mean? They’re getting some initial push up front from that O-line, but the backs aren’t always maximizing the space. You look at explosive run rates from last year, and the difference is stark:
- Isiah Pacheco: 0.8% (47th of 49 RBs)
- Kareem Hunt: 1.2% (46th)
- Kenneth Walker: 8.1% (2nd)
That 8.1% from Kenneth Walker, who Seattle fans definitely know for his electric plays, shows you what a high-ceiling back can do. It’s not just about getting a positive play; it’s about breaking free and creating those game-changing moments. The Chiefs have the floor, but they’re missing that explosive edge on the ground.
So, as the calendar ticks down to that Week 1 opener, we’ll be watching to see if Tyreke Smith can solidify his spot on Sundays. More importantly, we’re always tracking how a strong offensive line paired with explosive backs can truly make a difference in the NFL. It’s early season football, and these trends are just starting to emerge across the league.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
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