In a tactical relocation throughout the 2025 NFL Draft, the Kansas City Chiefs made a considerable option by choosing SMU running back Brashard Smith with the 228th choice. This choice shows the group’s dedication to boosting their lineup and including vibrant skill.

So, what distinct qualities can Brashard Smith give the Chiefs’ offense? Here’s a thorough take a look at his background, abilities, and possible influence on the group:

Discovering Brashard Smith’s Athletic Journey

Despite his current shift to the running back position, Brashard Smith has a noteworthy athletic background. Initially, he was acknowledged as a four-star getting possibility throughout his high school years, drawing in attention from distinguished programs such as Alabama, LSU, Oregon, Penn State, and Michigan. Ultimately, he selected to dip into Miami, where he invested 3 seasons showcasing his skills mostly as a pass receiver.

However, Smith’s experience as a pass receiver did not yield the anticipated outcomes. Throughout his 3 seasons at Miami, he tape-recorded 69 receptions for 770 lawns and 4 goals. After finishing this stint, Smith decided to move to SMU to sign up with head coach Rhett Lashlee, who had actually formerly hired him and visualized changing him to a full-time running back function.

In his inaugural season as a running back, Smith showed impressive capacity. Across 14 video games, he collected 235 brings for an excellent 1,332 hurrying lawns, balancing 5.7 lawns per bring, and scored 14 goals. Additionally, he had his most efficient season as a receiver, capturing 39 passes for 327 lawns and including 4 more goals to his record. His impressive efficiency made him first-team All-ACC honors and third-team All-American acknowledgment from the Associated Press.

Standing at 5’9″ and weighing 194 pounds, Smith is thought about a smaller sized running back, especially originating from a slot receiver background. His athletic metrics are interesting; he clocked an elite 4.39 seconds in the 40-yard dash and a 1.54-second 10-yard split, although his vertical and long jump outcomes were less remarkable. This disparity lines up with some observations from his video game movie, where his total volatility was rather lower than expected.

Comprehensive Film Analysis of Brashard Smith

One of the most significant strengths of Smith’s video game is his remarkable speed when browsing open area. While his explosive abilities observed at the integrate were rather unexpected, viewing his movie exposes specific restrictions. Smith does not constantly strike the hole with the essential burst or fast velocity one may get out of a top-tier running back.

Nonetheless, when he goes beyond the 2nd level of defense, Smith’s long speed ends up being apparent, enabling him to exceed protectors considerably. Although he might take a minute to reach his leading equipment, when he does, he can running previous challengers, showcasing his speed and dexterity in open field circumstances.

In addition to his speed, Smith shows imagination when managing the ball. His motions are similar to a joystick, enabling him to cut, spin, and alter instructions without losing momentum. Unlike lots of running backs who require to decrease to avert protectors, Smith can keep his speed while making sharp cuts, causing electrifying highlights throughout video games.

Given Smith’s background as a receiver, he is likewise competent in capturing loses consciousness of the backfield. While it would be perfect for him to have a more comprehensive path tree, this is not a considerable issue. His primary strength as a receiver depends on his capability to perform wheel paths downfield or make plays in area, capturing passes in the flat and avoiding protectors. Generally, I think that the focus on fancy path trees for running backs can be overemphasized. Most paths are typically basic checkdowns, and having a back that can produce plays in open locations is indispensable, which is a strength of Smith’s.

On the other side, Smith’s smaller sized stature provides difficulties. He might battle with interior runs, as he is less most likely to move stacks or keep balance versus contact. From a resilience point of view, imagining him as anything more than a rotational gamer on 3rd downs raises issues. While Smith might manage around 10-15 brings, going beyond that limit may increase the threat of injury.

Another location of issue is Smith’s preliminary velocity. It would be beneficial for him to have more explosive speed when getting the handoff. In an outdoors zone offense, quicker edges are important, however it typically takes him longer to reach complete speed, providing protectors a possibility to close the space.

Envisioning Brashard Smith’s Role with the Chiefs

While it might appear like a simple contrast, Brashard Smith is poised to fill a function comparable to that of Jerick McKinnon. Much like McKinnon, Smith has the capability to capture passes, shows remarkable long speed, and can avert protectors in open area. Both gamers are smaller sized in stature and might not strike holes with blazing speed, once they do, they can produce considerable plays. While McKinnon might have a minor benefit in short-area burst, Smith’s total adaptability is indisputable.

For the 2025 season, I imagine Smith mostly working as the third-down back for the Chiefs. If he can rapidly adjust to the subtleties of pass defense, there is a considerable chance for him because function. He will likely see regular possibilities in the screen video game, and while he might turn with Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco, I expect restricted early-down brings for him this season.

Evaluating the Overall Impact of Brashard Smith

With the addition of Smith together with pass receiver Jalen Royals, the Chiefs are plainly concentrated on obtaining electrifying gamers efficient in making huge plays. Last year, the group did not have such vibrant hazards. Even Xavier Worthy, who boasts elite speed, does not have the size or dexterity to regularly produce yardage after the catch. With Rashee Rice returning and these brand-new additions, that explosive aspect is set to go back to the Chiefs’ offense.

While Smith’s function might be more quickly specified than that of Royals, the addition of numerous gamers who can change a basic enter a considerable gain would significantly benefit the group. The Chiefs have actually dealt with difficulties producing lawns given that trading Tyreek Hill, and with the infusion of skill represented by these brand-new gamers, there is adequate factor for optimism relating to the growth and volatility of the offense moving on.