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<\/p>\nWhen you\u2019ve got the best quarterback in football, the natural instinct is to lean on him. But even Patrick Mahomes could use a little less weight on his shoulders. That\u2019s where former SMU standout Brashard Smith enters the equation for the Kansas City Chiefs \u2014 a late-round pick with a high-ceiling opportunity in one of the NFL\u2019s most creative offenses.<\/p>\n
Kansas City\u2019s run game ranked just 19th in total rushing yards last season, and General Manager Brett Veach made it clear this offseason: the backfield needs fresh juice. Smith, selected in the final round of the 2025 NFL Draft, may be exactly that.<\/p>\n
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Originally a wide receiver at Miami before transitioning to running back at SMU, Smith totaled 1,055 yards from scrimmage and 10 touchdowns in his lone season as a Mustang. His natural pass-catching skills and sharp cuts in space make him a nightmare matchup \u2014 especially when aligned out wide or motioned out of the backfield.<\/p>\n
Field Yates of ESPN named Smith one of the top late-round rookies to watch in 2025:<\/p>\n
\u201cSmith switched from wide receiver at Miami to running back at SMU, which speaks to his unique versatility\u2026 he shows fantastic lateral agility and straight-line speed.\u201d<\/p>\n
That\u2019s the kind of profile Andy Reid and offensive coordinator Matt Nagy can work magic with. Jet sweeps, angle routes, bubble screens \u2014 Smith is built for schemed touches.<\/p>\n
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And the rookie knows it.<\/p>\n
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Southern Methodist Mustangs running back Brashard Smith (1) runs with the ball against the California Golden Bears.Jerome Miron/Imagn Images<\/p>\n
\u201cI feel like my skill set fits perfectly with the offense,\u201d Smith said following the draft. \u201cThey\u2019re already dynamic, and I feel like I\u2019m a dynamic player. I\u2019m going to bring a lot of juice to the offense and special teams.\u201d<\/p>\n
With no clear RB1 locked in and Kansas City determined to balance their offense, Smith could be the latest unsung weapon to flourish alongside Mahomes. For SMU fans watching on Sundays this fall \u2014 don\u2019t blink.<\/p>\n
Related: SMU Football continues to make waves as they land dynamic 3-star athlete<\/a><\/p>\n