Kansas City, Su – April 20, 2025
The Kansas City Chiefs have unearthed a gem, snagging SMU running back Brashard Smith in the 2025 NFL Draft’s fourth round, sources told ESPN. With blazing speed reminiscent of Tyreek Hill, Smith electrifies Chiefs Kingdom’s backfield vision.
Smith, a former Miami receiver turned SMU star, torched defenses in 2024, rushing for 1,332 yards and 14 touchdowns while adding 337 receiving yards. His 43.1% breakaway run rate ranked ninth among college backs, per Pro Football Focus, showcasing Hill-like explosiveness.
The Chiefs, reeling from a 40-22 Super Bowl LIX loss, ranked a dismal 29th in rushing (4.0 yards per carry) in 2024. GM Brett Veach, eyeing a deep running back class, waited until round four to nab Smith, bypassing earlier targets like TreVeyon Henderson and Damien Martinez.
Smith’s fit in Andy Reid’s playbook is seamless. His 4.3-second 40-yard dash and route-running polish, honed as a receiver, evoke Brian Westbrook’s versatility. Smith’s 1.69 yards per catch ranked second nationally, ideal for Patrick Mahomes’ screen and check-down plays.
Despite pass-protection struggles, Smith’s elusiveness (77.1 elusive rating) and spin-move wizardry make him a nightmare for linebackers. He joins Isiah Pacheco, whose contract ends in 2026, and outpaces aging Kareem Hunt, offering a long-term spark.
Veach’s strategy leverages Smith’s special teams prowess as a kick returner, addressing Kansas City’s 24th-ranked return game. Paired with Josh Simmons’s line upgrades and Trey Smith’s extension, Brashard Smith bolsters an offense craving balance.
Chiefs fans, brace for impact. Smith’s speed, likened to Hill by KSHB’s Nick Jacobs, could stretch defenses, freeing Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy. Posts on X buzzed, with one fan dubbing him “Pacheco’s heir apparent.”
As training camp nears, Brashard Smith’s arrival signals Chiefs Kingdom’s revival. With Mahomes under center and Reid’s genius, Smith’s Hill-esque bursts promise to reignite Kansas City’s Super Bowl quest.
