Hank Aaron's Great-Nephew Kimani Vidal Selected by Chargers in 2024 NFL Draft

The Los Angeles Chargers selected Troy running back Kimani Vidal with the No. 181 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft on Saturday.

Vidal shares a special connection with one of baseball's greatest players, as he's the great-nephew of Hall of Fame slugger Hank Aaron.

Vidal accumulated 1,661 yards and 14 touchdowns on 297 carries during his senior season at Troy, adding 201 more yards as a receiver.

Despite his 5'8" height, the 22-year-old is a hard-nosed back who showcased his ability to consistently fight through tackles to gain extra yards. He made a strong impression at the scouting combine in Indianapolis, recording a 37.5" vertical jump and a 40-yard dash time of 4.46 seconds.

Bleacher Report's NFL Scouting Department ranked Vidal as the No. 11 running back and the No. 180 overall player on the final big board before the draft. B/R NFL Scout Derrik Klassen was impressed with the former Trojan's strength although he acknowledged that there's still some room to improve.

"Vidal will need to find more consistency between the tackles in the NFL, but there's a role for him in the pros," Klassen wrote in his scouting report. "Vidal's explosive profile combined with his thick frame and balance makes him a good ball of clay for an NFL running backs coach."

Vidal will compete for touches on a Chargers team that will have some fresh faces in the backfield in 2024 after veteran Austin Ekeler joined the Washington Commanders in free agency. Los Angeles signed former Baltimore Ravens running backs Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins, who'll likely earn snaps over the incoming rookie.

Still, Vidal brings some explosiveness to the Chargers' offense and shares a unique connection to one of baseball's all-time greats.