Blazing Speed, 98-Yard TD, and Position Flexibility — Why Brashard Smith Could Explode in Kansas City

While most NFL teams treat seventh-round picks as developmental flyers, the Kansas City Chiefs may have found a true sleeper in Brashard Smith. Selected with the 228th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Smith enters a loaded Kansas City backfield, but his versatility and athleticism make him a name to watch.

Smith’s journey to the NFL wasn’t conventional. He spent three years at the University of Miami playing wide receiver before transferring to SMU and making the switch to running back in 2024. The transition wasn’t random—his new head coach, Rhett Lashlee, suggested the move after seeing similarities between Smith and Chiefs star Isaiah Pacheco. That comparison alone should raise eyebrows in Kansas City.

What makes Smith so intriguing is his ability to do it all. At SMU, he showcased elite speed and vision as a ball carrier, while still possessing the hands and route-running skills of a natural receiver. In addition, Smith was a standout on special teams, averaging 24.4 yards per kick return and scoring a 98-yard touchdown in 2023. That kind of explosiveness could quickly earn him a role in the NFL.

Smith also turned heads at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine, clocking a blazing 4.39-second 40-yard dash—the third-fastest among running backs. His 19 plays of 20+ yards last season ranked top five among all FBS running backs, showing he’s more than just speed—he’s a home-run threat every time he touches the ball.

With a current backfield that includes Isaiah Pacheco, Kareem Hunt, and Elijah Mitchell, Smith may not see heavy reps right away. But don’t be surprised if he carves out a role on special teams or as a change-of-pace weapon in Andy Reid’s offense.

The Chiefs are known for turning late-round picks into contributors. Brashard Smith may be next in line—and he has the traits to make some serious noise in Kansas City.