The Kansas City Chiefs have already begun the process to avenge their loss in last February’s Super Bowl. The offseason program was focused on how the Chiefs can climb back to the top of the NFL’s hierarchy and now Kansas City will look to put those thoughts to action as they begin training camp.
One way for the Chiefs to contend for another title is an improved running game. While the Chiefs will lean on Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt to anchor the ground attack, Kansas City made another step in the right direction, selecting SMU running back Brashard Smith in the seventh round of April’s draft.
Smith’s development could be a key factor on whether the Chiefs will succeed on the ground next season and he’s already shown he can bring a new dimension to the offense after the second practice of training camp.
Chiefs camp practice No. 2 an unofficial 1 hour, 24 minutes. Acclimation and ramp-up period engaged. Some big Mahomes throws today, big catches from Hollywood Brown and Brashard Smith. Roster bubble play of the day: Chris Oladokun to Mac Dalena.
https://twitter.com/mattderrick/status/1948046773554999351?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Brashard Smith Could Be the Wild Card of the Chiefs Backfield
Matt Derrick of Chiefs Digest singled out Smith as one of the early standouts of camp, citing some big catches from the rookie as Kansas City took the field on Wednesday morning. X user Farzin Vousoughian provided physical evidence of Smith’s ability as he caught a pass from Patrick Mahomes and used his 4.39-second speed to dash up the sideline.
Mahomes to rookie Brashard Smith, showed him some love after the play 🙌 pic.twitter.com/b0rJvltzfp
https://twitter.com/Farzin21/status/1948041903771152708?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1948041903771152708%7Ctwgr%5Ed870ef559b7817a2bfbb09a41daf1c1208347389%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fkckingdom.com%2Fchiefs-rookie-rb-quickly-flashes-potential-2nd-camp-practice-01k0w2s58q0m
Initially a wide receiver from the University of Miami, Smith took his talents to the backfield last season and ran for 1,332 yards and 14 touchdowns. He also continued to have a role in the passing game with 39 catches for 327 yards and four touchdowns, putting himself on the map in a loaded running back class.
If Wednesday’s practice is any indication, Smith could unlock a big play element that was missing from the Chiefs offense last season. Kansas City’s running game was derailed when Pacheco broke his tibia early in the season and while Hunt kept the ground game afloat, they ranked 22nd in rushing yards per game (105.3) and 27th in yards per attempt (4.0).
But an underrated aspect may be the running backs’ involvement in the passing game. Chiefs running backs combined for 70 catches last season and Samaje Perine, who led Kansas City with 28 catches, departed for the Cincinnati Bengals in free agency.
With an ability to return kicks and punts, Smith could be a dynamic weapon that can carve out a role in the Chiefs backfield and become the next breakout star in 2025.
