Rookie Profile: Kimani Vidal, Running Back, Los Angeles Chargers
Welcome to the Rookie Profile: Kimani Vidal was a 3-star prospect out of Marietta High School in Marietta, Georgia. He officially committed to Troy in June of 2019.
In his freshman year, Vidal averaged 5.1 yards per carry and scored 4 touchdowns. He also caught 26 passes for 225 yards.
During his sophomore season, Vidal had an increase in carries with 52 more rushing attempts. Although he averaged fewer yards per carry, he gained almost 200 more rushing yards than the previous season. Vidal continued to demonstrate his ability to catch passes, recording 22 receptions for 134 yards.
During his junior season, Vidal had a breakout year. He took charge of the backfield and excelled in his role. Vidal ran the ball 231 times for 1,132 yards and scored 10 touchdowns. Additionally, he contributed to the passing game with 26 receptions and 140 yards.
During the previous season, Vidal experienced a breakthrough and he continued to progress from there. In his final year, he managed an average of 5.6 yards per carry during 297 rushing attempts, which amounted to a total of 1,661 rushing yards. Additionally, he had 18 more receptions for 201 yards and scored a total of 15 touchdowns. Vidal’s performance improved each season, and he became even more powerful, faster, and elusive as he continued to develop within the team’s offense.
Measurables
Draft Capital & Landing Spot
Draft Capital- Round 6 Pick 5 (181)
- Outside of a few chosen few the running back position is a position that most teams target day 3 of the NFL draft. So, although the round is not as attractive as say a 3rd round pick it still holds some value.
- A day 3 pick becomes a low investment pick for teams taking a shot on a player they believe has some upside but they need to see more.
Landing Spot- Los Angeles Chargers
- I adore this spot because of the new offensive system the Chargers will likely run. The team struggled to find a reliable back to play second fiddle to Austin Ekeler. This past offseason Ekeler chose a new team leaving a glaring void for the Chargers at the running back position.
- They brought in Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins because they know the offensive scheme new offensive coordinator Greg Roman likes to run. Kimani Vidal fits that exact scheme and could become the back to the roster from the Chargers backfield.
Team Depth Chart
Expected Role: Backup Running Back with the potential to be the starter
Depth Chart via Fantasy Pros
Fantasy Impact
Usually, these types of late-round picks hold little to no value for our fantasy rosters. Now and again we get an outlier that takes the opportunity given and runs with it. Hence Puka Nacua last season. Kimani Vidal finds himself in a similar situation where opportunity can present itself to him and it will be up to him to take it and run with it. The starter should be Gus Edwards week one. It is safe to assume that if Dobbins is healthy he will get the RB2 role.
On the other hand, what Vidal offers is a bowling ball type of runner between the tackles with some pass-catching ability. Even if he is not the every down back that he can be there is an opportunity for him to take the role of a 3rd down back. Vidal is slowly creeping up draft boards. If I am being honest I am comfortable taking him as an early 3rd round pick despite his 6th round draft capital. I think by the end of the season Vidal will get the majority of the snaps from the Chargers backfield and possibly end up being a league-winner for your fantasy teams.
Check out our 2024 Rookie Rankings Page for a full breakdown of this rookie class.
