The Kansas City Chiefs, a dominant force in the NFL in recent years, appear to have found a promising new piece for their offense in the 2025 NFL Draft. That piece is Brashard Smith, a running back selected in the seventh round from Southern Methodist University (SMU). With explosive speed, versatility, and dynamic playmaking ability, Smith is being hailed as a “shocking weapon” that could elevate the game of superstar Patrick Mahomes and propel the Chiefs further in the upcoming season.
A Raw Gem with Immense Potential
Brashard Smith wasn’t a household name heading into the draft, but his performance at SMU turned heads among analysts. Before transferring to SMU, Smith played as a wide receiver at the University of Miami, but his switch to running back transformed his career. In the 2024 season, Smith racked up 1,332 rushing yards, 14 touchdowns, and averaged 5.67 yards per carry. Beyond that, he recorded 39 receptions for 327 yards and 4 touchdowns, amassing 1,977 all-purpose yards, ranking fourth in the FBS. These stats highlight that Smith is not just a traditional running back but a versatile playmaker capable of impacting the game in multiple ways.
ESPN analyst Louis Riddick compared Smith’s playing style to that of Alvin Kamara, one of the NFL’s top running backs, noting his remarkable speed (4.39 seconds in the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine). Riddick remarked, “Keep an eye on Brashard Smith from SMU, who the Chiefs picked in the seventh round. He’s a Kamara clone with 4.3 speed. The Chiefs addressed their needs, maybe better than any other team.” [Web ID: 0]
A Perfect Fit with Patrick Mahomes
The Chiefs’ offense, led by Patrick Mahomes, is already formidable, but the 2024 season exposed a need for improvement in their rushing attack. With lackluster rushing numbers last season, the Chiefs aimed to revamp their running back group to ease the pressure on Mahomes and create a more balanced offense. Smith, with his excellent receiving skills from his wide receiver days, promises to be a dangerous weapon in third-down situations or when the Chiefs need a player to spark a game-changing play.
Kyle Crabbs of The 33rd Team described Smith as a “raw” running back with significant upside. Crabbs noted, “Smith is still learning the running back position, but his instincts with the ball in his hands are a strength. With a passer like Mahomes, developing Smith won’t be a major issue.” [Web ID: 1] Indeed, Smith’s route-running ability and speed make him an ideal target for short passes or plays designed to exploit open space.
Additionally, Smith’s experience as a kick returner adds further value. He earned All-ACC second-team honors as a return specialist in 2023. With the NFL’s new kickoff rules encouraging more returns, Smith could immediately contribute to the Chiefs’ special teams, securing his spot on the roster. [Web ID: 0]
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite his exciting attributes, Smith faces challenges in making an impact at the NFL level. Standing at 5-foot-10 and weighing just 194 pounds, he lacks the size of a traditional power running back suited for heavy contact. Crabbs pointed out that Smith sometimes hesitates when choosing gaps or lingers in the backfield, which could be a disadvantage in the NFL. “Smith needs to improve his vision and use his speed to burst through defensive lines,” Crabbs observed. [Web ID: 1]
However, under the guidance of head coach Andy Reid, known for his creative offensive schemes, Smith has a prime opportunity to maximize his potential. Analysts have compared Smith to Jerick McKinnon, a former Chiefs running back who was a key option in passing situations. Some even suggest Smith could emulate Christian McCaffrey’s versatile role, splitting time between rushing and receiving. [Web ID: 0]
Fan Reactions and Future Outlook
Chiefs fans, known as Chiefs Kingdom, have been buzzing with excitement over Smith’s selection. On X, many praised his speed and versatility. One fan posted, “Solid pick. So fast and hopefully used a lot in the passing game since he was a wide receiver.” Another commented, “He’ll be a great third-down option, with reliable hands and explosiveness in open space.” [Web ID: 2]
With Patrick Mahomes, one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, and Andy Reid’s innovative offensive system, Brashard Smith has all the tools to succeed. Though just a seventh-round rookie, he’s already drawing comparisons to Isiah Pacheco, another seventh-round gem drafted by the Chiefs in 2022 who became a key contributor. [Web ID: 0]
The 2025 season will be Smith’s chance to prove his worth. If he can harness his speed, versatility, and playmaking instincts, he could be more than just a complementary piece—he might become a game-changer for the Kansas City Chiefs. Fans and analysts alike will be watching to see if this “raw gem” can shine brightly alongside Mahomes.