The Chiefs did not do a lot to address their running back room this offseason. Overall, most Kansas City fans were clamoring for more action to add to that spot. Kareem Hunt was re-signed. Elijah Mitchell was a cheap addition in free agency. Then in the NFL Draft, the Chiefs waited until round seven to select Brashard Smith.
Smith has the versatility that Kansas City covets from their offensive skill players. In the beginning of his college football career, he was a wide receiver at Miami. The Hurricanes also saw him have success in direct touches as a rusher. Once he transferred to SMU for the 2024 season, Smith transitioned fully to running back. Along with that, he set the SMU school record for all-purpose yards with 1,977 total. His success as a returner should not be discounted, either.
There are questions surrounding the overall usage for the Chiefs’ running back room this upcoming season. But for Brashard Smith himself, which style he is ultimately used in could be the most intriguing part of that current group.
How Smith could have success as a rusher
The style in which Brashard Smith uses as a rusher is distinct. He utilizes some patience when surveying the blocks in front of him. But once he sees a crease, the ability to go from zero to 100 is impressive. His get-away speed is propped up by the swift, single cuts that he takes to bounce towards the open field.
If you look at the rest of the Chiefs’ running backs, there is not a lot of deception in their game. Isiah Pacheco leans more on physicality and broken tackles. Hunt is not too dissimilar than Pacheco at this stage of his career. As for Mitchell, he may be the closest running style to Smith in the current running back room. Mitchell does not have the quickness or the smooth change of direction skills that Smith possesses, however.
All in Smith has the ability to create explosive plays on the ground at any moment. His yards per carry could be relatively high as a rookie rusher. Due to his electricity and diverse background, Smith can easily rack up chunk gains on a miniscule amount of carries.
Smith already has most to offer as pass-catching running back on depth chart
The Chiefs have long incorporated their running backs into the passing attack. Even before his Kansas City tenure, Andy Reid had been among the best offensive coaches at designing passes to running backs during his time in Philadelphia. It may not take long to see Brashard Smith generate looks in the quick passing game or the screen passing game.
Obviously, the natural pass catching abilities and understanding of spacing comes in handy for Smith after his experience as a wide receiver. Moreover, the rookie has been able to run a fair amount of route concepts and attack in different areas of the field as a wide receiver in college. From that history and the eye test alone, it is easy to suggest that Smith offers the highest pass-catching ability on the K.C. running back depth chart.
Smith providing positive signs early in training camp
Training camp highlights can sometimes be taken out of context and overblown. But when it comes to rookies getting their first chances, any substantial positive moments are a welcomed sign. Brashard Smith has already been able to make an early impact in Chiefs training camp.
Part of his reps so far have been mixed in with the starters. As much is that not necessarily groundbreaking news, it is still notable for any rookie. That is especially true this early in training camp. Smith was able to show smooth route running on drills that involved swing routes or wheel routes. In addition, the Chiefs did have him take snaps strictly at receiver and out of the backfield.
It seems like Brashard Smith is more likely to serve a hybrid role from the outset of his Chiefs tenure. If so, he could very well be another late-round steal for Kansas City when they need to hit on as many cheap, young draft picks as possible.
