Kansas City Chiefs football returns on Tuesday, as the team reports for training camp. Entering camp, there are many interesting position battles for fans to keep an eye on. However, one that should be high on fans’ lists is running back.
While Isiah Pacheco is the assumed starter, anything can happen behind him. Sure, many figure that veteran Kareem Hunt is a shoo-in to earn the RB2 spot, but he will have some competition. New addition Elijah Mitchell will be part of that equation, as well as rookie Brashard Smith.
That said, Smith certainly has the most to prove, making him the biggest x-factor and a player who can turn Chiefs training camp on its head.
Chiefs Rookie RB Brashard Smith Could Be a Massive Shock in Training Camp
Kansas City selected Smith in the seventh round this year, so his path to a roster spot won’t be easy. That doesn’t mean it’s impossible, as Pacheco, another former seventh-round pick, made the Chiefs’ 53-man roster as a rookie.
Even so, Smith brings something to Kansas City that Pacheco doesn’t: speed. Over the past few seasons, the Chiefs have lacked speed out of the backfield, which is also why Mitchell was brought in this offseason.
Despite Mitchell being brought in for the same reasons, he also has injury concerns that Smith doesn’t have. As a result, if Smith is able to stay healthy during training camp and the preseason, he could earn a leg up in the competition.
Smith played wide receiver for his first three college seasons, but upon transferring to SMU in 2024, he transitioned to running back. In 2024, he recorded 235 carries for 1,332 yards and 14 touchdowns. Moreover, he added 327 yards and four touchdowns through the air.
Smith’s explosiveness out of the backfield is exactly what Kansas City needs. Although he’s unlikely to see reps with the first team early on in camp, if he impresses in the camp, as well as preseason games, he could see reps with the starters later in camp.
If Smith accomplishes this, his impact with the offense during the season may be bigger than many thought.
