ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — Kansas City Chiefs rookie running back Brashard Smith electrifies the practice field at Missouri Western State University, showcasing the speed and versatility that made him a seventh-round steal in the 2025 NFL Draft. The former SMU standout, transitioning from wide receiver to running back, demonstrates a dynamic skill set that could reshape the Chiefs’ backfield and make him a fantasy football sleeper for 2025.
Smith, a 5-foot-10, 194-pound dynamo, bursts through drills with a 4.39-second 40-yard dash speed that turns heads. During training camp, he weaves through defenders with sharp cuts and explodes into open space, hinting at his potential as a change-of-pace back. Coaches praise his ability to catch passes out of the backfield, a skill honed during his early college years as a wide receiver. His agility and quickness, paired with a low center of gravity, allow him to dodge tackles and create big plays, a trait evident in team scrimmages.
In 2024, Smith dominated at SMU, rushing 235 times for 1,332 yards and 14 touchdowns, averaging 5.67 yards per carry. He added 39 receptions for 327 yards and four scores, amassing 1,977 all-purpose yards, ranking fourth in the FBS. His 19 plays of 20-plus yards placed him among the top five running backs nationally, underscoring his big-play ability. Smith also returned 14 kickoffs for 320 yards, proving his value on special teams.
Smith’s college career began at Miami, where he played wide receiver from 2021 to 2023. As a freshman, he caught 14 passes for 199 yards and two touchdowns. In 2022, he hauled in 33 receptions for 308 yards, and in 2023, he recorded 22 catches for 263 yards and two scores while adding 132 rushing yards and a touchdown. Transferring to SMU in 2024, he switched to running back under coach Rhett Lashlee, a move inspired by Chiefs star Isiah Pacheco. The transition unleashed his potential, earning him first-team All-ACC honors.
Brashard Smith, a total gem.
Drafted 228th overall, Brashard Smith slipped to the seventh round due to a deep running back class, but Kansas City traded up to secure him. His scouting report highlights elite speed, lateral agility, and receiving prowess, making him a perfect fit for Andy Reid’s creative offensive schemes. Analysts compare him to former Chiefs back Jerick McKinnon for his pass-catching ability and open-field elusiveness.
Smith’s future shines bright. His versatility allows Reid to deploy him in the backfield, slot, or on returns, adding unpredictability to an already potent offense led by Patrick Mahomes. His rawness as a running back leaves room for growth, but his instincts and athleticism suggest a quick learning curve. In training camp, he competes with veterans like Pacheco, showing flashes of climbing the depth chart.
For fantasy football managers, Brashard Smith emerges as a 2025 sleeper. His explosive playstyle and pass-catching role in a high-powered offense make him a PPR league gem. With uncertainty in Kansas City’s backfield beyond Pacheco, Smith could carve out significant touches, offering high upside for a late-round pick.
As camp progresses, Smith’s electrifying performances signal he’s no ordinary rookie. Chiefs fans eagerly await his impact, both on the field and in fantasy lineups, as he aims to emulate Pacheco’s seventh-round success.
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