The Kansas City Chiefs taught us 3 important lessons with their audacious 2023 NFL Draft strategy. They traded up in the seventh round to take rookie running back Brashard Smith. The substantial financial commitment given to Smith shows the organization’s confidence in his ability to be an impactful player in their offense. Smith was a wide receiver during his college days at the University of Miami. He went on to convert to running back at Southern Methodist University (SMU), displaying elite versatility and ability that meshes almost too perfectly with the Chiefs’ offensive philosophy.
They should serve as proof that Brashard Smith’s game-changing talent can be delivered in college with regularity, particularly as a runner and receiver. In his final year at SMU, he had a little more than 1,300 yards rushing. He caught 39 passes, proving himself as a dual-threat player. He has experience as a former wide receiver at Miami. During his three seasons there, he only caught 69 passes, but that’s where he added one new wrinkle to his skill set. Chiefs coaches are very high on his receiving ability. Scouts have long lauded his work on screen passes and in split-wide formations when the backfield’s empty.
Smith’s showing at the scouting combine only boosted his stock even more. He recorded a ripping 4.39 seconds in the 40-yard dash, which is third-fastest among all RBs. His game-breaking speed would add a dynamic element to the Chiefs offense. That’s particularly the case when you look at their RB room right now, which boasts veteran talents like Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco. Neither Hunt nor Pacheco have reputations as big-play threats, which only increases the importance of Smith’s agility and speed.
As the Chiefs’ staff prepares for the 2017 campaign, they can’t wait to get Smith involved in their offensive game plan. They’re convinced that his rare set of skills and talents puts him in the running for key roles on the team.
“When he has the ball in his hands, whether it’s as a runner or catching the ball, he can do some silly things in terms of what he can set up. Now he has to come in and pick everything up and there has to be a comfort level that he knows what he’s doing. But talent-wise, there should be no reason this kid shouldn’t help us at some point in the season.” – Kansas City Chiefs scout
Ryne Nutt, a member of the Chiefs’ scouting team, emphasized that Smith was ranked higher on their draft board than where they ultimately selected him. They traded up because they believed the value was there to trade up to acquire a player that can be an immediate impact player. To them, surrendering three future late-round picks seemed a small price to pay for that chance.
“We had him higher on our board than where we took him. That’s when you start to consider trading, when a guy is there that you have higher on your board and … what we would give up is peanuts compared to what we think we’ll get,” Nutt stated. “Our coaches are super excited about the kid, and they will find ways to get this kid on the field, whether it’s in a third down role, an all-down role, whatever they decide the kid will play.”
Smith’s unique background as a former wide receiver is not only beneficial for his development but sets him apart from other candidates vying for playing time within the Chiefs’ running back group. He believes that his diverse skill set will allow him to contribute effectively right from the start of his NFL career.
“Not a lot of running backs have receiver skills and running back skills. So I feel like just coming in I could contribute for sure with my skill set.” – Brashard Smith
Their proposed rule change with the intention of lessening injuries now moves touchbacks to the 35-yard line. That would mean additional opportunities for Smith to prove his worth as a potential kick returner in training camp. His coaches are confident that this part of his game will improve his odds. Either way, they’re hoping that he makes it on to the final roster.
Brashard Smith’s journey from Miami to SMU and now to the Kansas City Chiefs reflects not just his talent but his determination to succeed at the highest level. This led to the crucial choice on Smith’s part, transferring and fully leaning into his running back potential. He was aided by Rhett Lashlee, his receivers coach at Miami, who recently took the head coaching job at SMU.
With training camp right around the corner, Smith looks poised to deliver some fireworks. He’s out to win over the coaches and the fans as well! His rare combination of speed, versatility and experience makes him one of the more intriguing potential breakout players in the NFL in 2023.
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