Goldman reports that the team is “very high” on Demercado, who ran as the No. 2 back throughout OTAs. The Chiefs signed Demercado to a one-year “prove it” contract worth $1,250,000 to back up Kenneth Walker and then added Emmet Johnson in Round 5 of the NFL Draft.
While Emari Demarcado‘s veteran status grants him the inside track to backup duties, Emmett Johnson was a Heisman contender at Nebraska and was compared to LeSean McCoy by Andy Reid. Demercado will likely operate as the team’s RB2 and primary back on passing downs in September before ceding the role to Johnson as the season rolls along.
Kansas City Chiefs running back Brashard Smith is currently...
A seventh-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Kansas City ...
Kansas City Chiefs running back Brashard Smith remains in ...
The Kansas City Chiefs just secured dawg in No. 161 in Emmett Johnson, a compact hammer who pairs a 36.3% College Dominator Rating (89th-percentile) with the rugged contact balance to rack up 1,451 rushing yards in the brutal Big Ten. Johnson as a pass catcher registered a 15.9% Target Share (97th-percentile) to pair with his 5.8 College Yards Per Carry, proving he possesses the elite pass-catching floor and deceptive short-area burst—verified by a 1.59-second 10-yard split—to thrive in Andy Reid’s creative scheme.
In dynasty formats, Johnson is a late-round rookie value, where he will likely serve as RB2 behind Kenneth Walker III and could have a standalone role on 3rd downs. The real loser from this pick is Brashard Smith, who is likely going to tumble down the depth charts.
Isiah Pacheco suffered an injury on Monday Night Football. It appeared he was ok when he hopped off the trainers table, but it has come out that he suffered an MCL sprain.
This will keep Pacheco out on a week to week basis. This immediately provides life to Brashard Smith in the profitable Jerick McKinnon role and fortifies Kareem Hunt as the between the tackles grinder. With the Chiefs backfield narrowing from 3 to 2 primary weapons, this will be easier for fantasy purposes in start and sit decisions. Fire up Smith for upside and Hunt for stability in the RB2/Flex spot(s) of lineups.
Author: Jeremiah Retzlaff (@coachretzlaff1)
Kareem Hunt carried nine time for forty yards and a touchdown, he also added a receiving touchdown on his only reception. The Chiefs ground game was very effective throughout the game, rushing for 148 yards on thirty carries.
Hunt scored the two touchdowns but Isiah Pacheco paced the backfield with twelve carries for fifty-eight yards. Brashard Smith continues to have a limited role, carrying just three times for eight yards.
The Chiefs could always add a running back at the deadline but Hunt and Pacheco are running well, both averaged over four yards a carry last night. Smith appears to be the odd man out currently but remains a solid handcuff in case Hunt or Pacheco suffers an injury.
Author: David Leonard Jr. (@RealDelcoDave)
The Kansas City Chiefs have been struggling to get their running game to make any explosive plays. Veterans Kareem Hunt and Isaiah Pacheco have not taken any pressure off of their star quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Injuries and suspension have prevented the passing game from being consistent also. Just as Xavier Worthy is returning from injury the Chiefs are looking to their 7th round pick in rookie running back Brashard Smith to provide another element to the offense. Smith was a former wide receiver converted to running back at SMU. He showed great receiving ability and explosiveness in college. This is evident in his testing with a 4.39 forty yard dash and a 29.6% College Dominater rating. You could argue he was a steal in the 7th round of the draft. We should find out soon if he helps the team better than Hunt or Pacheco.
Brashard Smith is an immediate wavier wire pick-up if you haven’t already rostered him. His speed and catching ability already makes him likely to beat out both veteran backs ahead of him. This Chiefs offense will potentially be top 5 with the return of Rashee Rice from suspension and Xavier Worthy getting healthier. Smith will be a potential league winning player if they get rolling. Do not miss out!
The Chiefs will be without their rookie receiver when they travel to Brazil to play the Los Angeles Chargers. Royals is dealing with a knee injury. While injuries are never convenient, the timing does hurt as the Chiefs view Royals as an adequate replacement for Rice.
Royals’ skill set match would be perfect in the absence of Rice. Expect Patrick Mahomes to funnel targets to Travis Kelce and Xavier Worthy. A sneaky roster move is to pick up rookie running back Brashard Smith if he is available on the waiver wire. Smith ran with the first team offense plenty during training camp and drafters have aspirations of Smith filling the Jerick McKinnon role. Smith should be on benches everywhere as his role could grow into must start territory; a potential league winner.
Author: Jeremiah Retzlaff (@coachretzlaff1)
