​According to Pro Football Focus analysts Dalton Wasserman and Max Chadwick, Kansas City Chiefs running back Kenneth Walker III stands as the ninth-best player at his position in the NFL today. In their assessment of the 32 starting running backs across the league, the PFF writers highlighted Walker’s elite performance, noting that his 91.5 PFF rushing grade was the highest among all running backs, and his 61 forced missed tackles ranked fifth in the league. They also pointed out that Walker’s 94.1 career PFF rushing grade since 2022 places him only behind Derrick Henry among players in his category.
Walker’s ascent comes after he joined the Chiefs in free agency this year, a move that followed his initial entry into the NFL as a second-round pick of the Seattle Seahawks in 2022. Since then, Walker has continued to demonstrate what he can bring to an offense with his explosive running style and big-play ability. In 2025, he surpassed the 1,000-yard rushing mark for the second time in his career, a milestone that underscored his consistency and durability as a running back who can carry a heavy load and produce big numbers on the field. His performances have captivated fans and impressed analysts alike, as he has shown a rare blend of vision, speed, and contact balance that makes him a difficult defender to tackle.
Walker’s impact extends beyond raw stats. As the reigning Super Bowl MVP, he entered the latest season with heightened expectations and a proven track record of success. With Kansas City’s offense undergoing changes and improvements to complement its already potent attack, Walker is well-positioned to take the next step in what is already a prolific career. The combination of his proven production, advanced metrics, and the trusted system in Kansas City creates a compelling path for Walker to sustain high-level play and possibly climb higher in the running back rankings as the 2026 season unfolds.
This analysis reflects the assessment of Walker’s standing among NFL running backs according to PFF’s framework and ranking methodology. It also contextualizes his transition to the Chiefs and his continued development as a premier runner who can contribute in multiple dimensions—between the tackles, outside runs, and as a receiver in the backfield. The overall takeaway is that Walker has solidified himself as one of the elite running backs in the league, with the potential to elevate his game further as Kansas City’s offense evolves.
Note: This piece originated on Chiefs Wire as part of coverage detailing Kenneth Walker’s ranking and profile for the 2026 season, and it aims to provide a comprehensive view of his standing, achievements, and outlook within the NFL landscape.