Reports out of camp have the rookie running back lining up as a receiver, both out the slot and out wide
Keep an eye on Brashard Smith as the 2025 season approaches. The Kansas City seventh-round pick is already turning heads in offseason practices thanks to his versatility and speed. A former wide receiver at SMU who transitioned to running back in his final college season, Smith has been used all over the field – out of the backfield, in the slot, and even lined up wide. This is especially noteworthy considering the talented group of speedsters Andy Reid and Co have assembled around Patrick Mahomes on offense.
As the fastest (and youngest) back on the roster, Smith could carve out a gadget role early with a blazing 4.39-second, 97th percentile, 40-yard dash. He’s not likely to start early on due to the quality of the incumbents in the running game, but if injuries hit or he flashes in enough opportunities… fantasy managers looking for a late-round flyer or early waiver wire add may want to stash Smith as a potential breakout candidate.
Author: Lukasz Stec (@Lukasz_FF01)
ESPN's Adam Teicher writes that judging from how rookie ...
The Kansas City Chiefs have signed rookie seventh-round ...
With uncertainty at the wide receiver position, the Chiefs like what they have in rookie Jalen Royals.
On the surface, the Chiefs appear to have enough weapons for Patrick Mahomes. A more forensic look will identify just how tenuous their skill position players are heading into the 2025 season.
Hall of Fame tight end Travis Kelce is another year older and rising star Rashee Rice is coming off injury and potentially starting the season with a suspension. While Xavier Worthy came on late last season, it is easy to see how an injury or two could derail the Chiefs offense in 2025. This doesn’t even include the backfield which only added 7th round rookie Brashard Smith.
The Chiefs sneakily added wide receiver Jalen Royals from Utah State in the 4th round of the NFL Draft. Royals has a versatile skill set that has the Chiefs envisioning a duplicate role to Rashee Rice, particularly in the ability to generate yards after the catch. Should Rice get suspended, the Chiefs believe Royals can make an immediate impact.
Jalen Royals is 6’0’’ and 205 pounds and can run a 4.42 40-yard dash. In the FastDraft Origins Gamma tournament, Royals ADP is currently a 3rd round pick at 28 overall. Over on Underdog, Royals can be had at pick 200 in round 17. It is a great time to click on Jalen Royals in both formats before any bearish news presents itself for Rashee Rice or other Chiefs skill position players.
Author: Jeremiah Retzlaff (@coachretzlaff1)
The Chiefs add backfield competition for Isiah Pacheco in round 7 by selecting SMU running back Brashard Smith.
The Chiefs are bringing in competition for incumbent running back Isiah Pacheco. The Chiefs ended their draft in the 7th round by selecting versatile running back Brashard Smith.
This move is indicative of the Chiefs being frugal in their expenditure for running back draft capital. Getting burned in 2020 by Clyde Edwards-Helaire as a first round pick is something fantasy gamers know all too well about.
Given that Isiah Pacheco struggled at the end of the postseason and has only 7th round draft capital invested in him, Brashard Smith is starting off on more level footing than meets the eye. Expect Smith to initially take on the Jerick McKinnon role with the possibility of higher upside in the event of a Pacheco injury. Smith is well worth a mid rookie 3rd round pick in dynasty rookie drafts.
Author: Jeremiah Retzlaff (@coachretzlaff1)
Get to know former SMU Mustang running back Brashard Smith.
Senior Bowl Profile: Brashard Smith
Brashard Smith (5’10 196) is a former 4 star recruit in 2020 (29th WR) who brings dynamic playmaking ability and versatility to the Senior Bowl after an impactful career at Miami and SMU. Over 35 games with the Hurricanes, Smith tallied 69 receptions for 770 yards and four touchdowns, while adding 177 rushing yards before transferring to play his final year.
Smith transferred to SMU in 2024 and EXPLODED, rushing for 1232 yards and 14 tds on 235 carries, adding 39 receptions for 327 yards and 4 TDS as a receiver.
Smith’s quick-twitch athleticism and remarkable change of direction make him a dynamic threat as a returner, receiver and a runner.
At the Senior Bowl, Smith will look to showcase his dynamic versatility and explosive playmaking ability. His unique skill set as an offensive weapon will undoubtedly turn heads.
Author: Justin Currie (@Chev90)
