Chiefs Make a Splash in the Draft: Brashard Smith Joins the Roster

With the 228th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Kansas City Chiefs have welcomed SMU running back Brashard Smith to their lineup. But what can this dynamic player bring to the team? Let’s dive into what makes Smith a compelling addition to the Chiefs' roster.

🏈 Background Check on Brashard Smith

Brashard Smith's journey in football has been quite fascinating. Initially a four-star prospect, he captured attention as a wide receiver in high school, garnering interest from elite programs like Alabama, LSU, Oregon, Penn State, and Michigan. Eventually, he settled at Miami, where he played three seasons as a wide receiver.

📉 College Career Highlights

Smith's experience at wide receiver wasn't as stellar as anticipated. Over three seasons, he accumulated 69 receptions for 770 yards and four touchdowns. His transfer to SMU proved to be a turning point as he reunited with Rhett Lashlee, the offensive coordinator from Miami who had recruited him. The idea was to convert Smith to a full-time running back, and this transition proved fruitful.

In just one season as a running back, Smith showcased his talents by amassing 235 carries for 1,332 rushing yards (averaging 5.7 yards per carry) and scoring 14 touchdowns. He also excelled in the passing game, catching 39 passes for 327 yards and four more touchdowns. His efforts earned him first-team All-ACC honors and recognition as a third-team All-American by the Associated Press. 🌟

Despite being a smaller back at 5'9" and 194 lbs, Smith demonstrated quickness with impressive athletic testing. His 4.39-second 40-yard dash reflects elite speed, though his vertical and broad jump results left something to be desired.

📽️ Film Evaluation: What to Expect on the Field

⚡ Speed and Agility

The most prominent strength of Smith's game is undoubtedly his speed in open space. While some observed that he wasn’t immensely explosive during his combine performance, his film reveals a different story. He may not hit the hole with blinding speed, but once he gets past the initial line of defense, he accelerates significantly, sometimes leaving defenders chasing after him.

Smith’s agility is equally impressive. He navigates the field with finesse, able to cut, spin, and change direction without losing acceleration. For a running back, this quality leads to memorable highlights and a strong ability to evade tackles.

📋 Receiving Threat

Given Smith's background as a receiver, he excels in catching passes out of the backfield. Ideally, more variety in his route tree would be beneficial, but it’s not an essential flaw. His main utility as a receiver lies in his capacity to run wheel routes or catch quick passes, making him dangerous in open space—an aspect that bodes well for the aerial attack.

⚠️ Areas for Improvement

However, there are aspects of his game that present challenges. His size poses limitations, especially regarding running between the tackles. Smith may struggle to break tackles or push through heavy contact. While he can handle 10-15 carries effectively, pushing beyond that could raise concerns for injuries.

Another area that requires attention is the time it takes him to get into gear. In an outside zone offense, quicker acceleration off the handoff would be beneficial, allowing him to hit the edge faster and evade defenders.

🏟️ How Smith Fits into the Chiefs' Game Plan

It’s a natural comparison to link Smith with Jerick McKinnon, given their similarities. Like McKinnon, Smith can catch passes, boasts impressive long speed, and has the ability to make opponents miss. Both accept the role of smaller backs who may not sprint through the hole quickly, but once they find their rhythm, they’re dangerous playmakers.

🔄 Projected Role on the Team

For the 2025 season, Smith is likely to take on the role of a third-down back, provided he swiftly adapts to pass protection responsibilities. This position is critical as it opens up opportunities for him in the screen game—an area where he can truly excel. Alongside established backs like Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco, Smith will comfortably rotate in, though early-down carries may be limited.

📈 The Bottom Line

Adding Brashard Smith alongside wide receiver Jalen Royals indicates a clear strategy from the Chiefs to acquire players who can create excitement with the ball in their hands. Last year's roster struggled to find that spark. Although Xavier Worthy has elite speed, he lacks the size and elusiveness for significant plays after the catch.

With Rashee Rice returning and the addition of Smith and Royals, the offense aims to regain its explosive quality. Smith's role appears more defined than that of Royals, but adding versatile players who can transform simple passes into dynamic plays will certainly breathe new life into the Chiefs' game plan.

The Chiefs are poised to add more layers to their offense, elevating their chances for big plays and excitement as they push forward into the season. 🚀