Kansas City used a seventh-round pick to acquire
Brashard Smith . The rookie running back is already turning heads ahead of his first
NFL season. The former
SMU standout joins a backfield filled with experienced veterans, yet his versatility and explosive speed are making him one of the
most intriguing sleeper prospects to monitor in 2025.
Brashard Smith could shake up the backfield
Smith was a dynamic playmaker in college, leading SMU to a breakout season with over 1,300 rushing yards, 14 touchdowns, and nearly 400 yards receiving. After transferring from Miami, he thrived in the
Mustangs' power-spread offense, helping the team reach the College Football Playoff for the first time. That level of production, combined with a 4.39-second 40-yard dash at the
NFL Combine , caught the attention of
Chiefs decision-makers, so much so that Kansas City traded up to secure him. Despite being the new face in a room with
Isiah Pacheco, Kareem Hunt , and
Elijah Mitchell , Smith's multifaceted game gives him a real shot to carve out a role early. The
Chiefs are especially intrigued by his receiving ability out of the backfield and his potential in screen packages and empty sets, elements that align perfectly with
Andy Reid's offensive creativity.
"Not a lot of running backs have receiver skills and running back skills," Smith said.
"So I feel like just coming in I could contribute for sure with my skill set. I feel like my skill set fits perfectly with the offense. They're already dynamic, and I feel like I'm a dynamic player. I feel like I'm going to bring a lot of juice to the offense and special teams." Kansas City also has its eye on
Smith as a potential return specialist. With recent rule changes encouraging more kickoff returns,
Smith's breakaway speed could provide the kind of spark the
Chiefs lacked last season. Injury concerns surrounding
Pacheco and the inconsistent health history of
Mitchell only strengthen
Smith's case to earn meaningful snaps. If he can capitalize on opportunities in training camp and preseason, the rookie may prove to be one of the most impactful late-round selections of the year.
