It’s rare for running backs to stand out during an Organized Team Activities practice.
The format is stacked against them. Players aren’t in full pads or allowed to engage in full-contact play, which means the setup places a greater emphasis on the passing game.
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It’s notable, then, that a member of the Kansas City Chiefs backfield was part of the most impressive highlight from Thursday’s workout in front of reporters.
Brashard Smith, the Chiefs’ seventh-round pick in April’s draft, had the best catch of the day, hauling in a deep sideline pass from quarterback Patrick Mahomes while getting past the coverage from cornerback Kristian Fulton.
This type of play isn’t typical for most backs. Smith had to track the ball at full speed, then look over his shoulder to haul in the ball nearly 50 yards away from Mahomes.
And though the moment was one of only a few where Smith could truly stand out, Chiefs coach Andy Reid still commented Thursday that he liked what he saw from Smith since getting him to KC.
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid holds a football while he observes players during practice at Chiefs’ training facility on Thursday, May 29, 2025, in Kansas City.
“I like what he does. He’s got good speed and (he’s) a good route runner, that part of his game,” Reid said. “ … What we’ve asked him to do, he’s done a good job of it.”
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Smith, at 5 foot 10 and 196 pounds, provides the Chiefs a different type of threat than they’ve had recently. Although he played running back at SMU last season, Smith had previously been a receiver for three years at Miami (Florida).
“At the position I play, there’s not a lot of running backs that have receiver skills and running-back skills,” Smith told reporters last month during Chiefs rookie minicamp. “I feel like just coming in, I can contribute for sure with my skillset.”
It’s certainly different from the other guys the Chiefs have. Isiah Pacheco has served as KC’s lead back for most of the last three seasons, while veteran Kareem Hunt excels in short yardage and with his vision.
Free-agent signing Elijah Mitchell, meanwhile, is known for his speed but has a history of injuries. He also has just 28 combined catches in three pro seasons.
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Hunt said he’s appreciated what he’s seen from Smith in early work.
“A guy who’s very versatile and quick. Good speed,” Hunt said Thursday. “I like him so far, for sure.”
The Chiefs open their three-day mandatory minicamp Tuesday before a monthlong break. The team begins training camp in St. Joseph, Missouri, in late July.