Brashard Smith’s Wild Journey to the Chiefs — How a Miami Star Could Change KC’s Game Plan

Brashard Smith, a former Miami Hurricanes wide receiver turned SMU running back, was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs with the 228th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft on April 27, 2025. Smith’s journey to the NFL has been anything but conventional. A four-star recruit from Richmond Heights, Florida, he started at Miami, where he earned All-ACC honors as a kick returner in 2023, totaling 1,946 all-purpose yards. Transferring to SMU in 2024, he switched to running back, erupting for 1,332 rushing yards, 14 touchdowns, and 1,977 all-purpose yards—fourth in the FBS.

Smith’s 4.39-second 40-yard dash at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine showcased his elite speed, reminiscent of Tyreek Hill, making him a late-round steal for the Chiefs. His background as a wide receiver adds a unique dimension, with 39 receptions for 327 yards in 2024, creating mismatches against linebackers. Chiefs southwest area scout Jason Lamb highlighted Smith’s “dynamic play-making ability,” noting his potential as a kick returner and pass-catcher out of the backfield.

However, at 5-foot-10 and 194 pounds, Smith’s undersized frame raises concerns about durability and his ability to handle an every-down role. His pass blocking also needs work, which might limit his third-down snaps initially. The Chiefs’ running back room, featuring veterans like Kareem Hunt, lacks explosion, and Smith’s speed could complement Andy Reid’s creative play-calling, especially in spread-based attacks like inside zone schemes.

Fans on X are buzzing—some see Smith as a potential game-changer, while others worry about his rawness as a running back. With Patrick Mahomes at the helm and a national spotlight on the Chiefs, Smith has a golden opportunity to make an instant impact in 2025, possibly redefining KC’s offensive game plan.