The Kansas City Chiefs selected Brashard Smith, a running back from SMU, in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft, generating excitement around his potential impact. Smith’s explosive senior season and unique skill set have led analysts to compare him to established NFL star Alvin Kamara, setting high expectations for his rookie year.
Smith’s Journey from Miami Receiver to SMU Running Back
Brashard Smith spent his first three college years at Miami, where he played as a wide receiver and recorded 770 yards and four touchdowns on 69 receptions. In his final season, he transferred to SMU and switched roles to running back, rushing for an impressive 1,332 yards and scoring 14 touchdowns. This transition showcased his versatility and ability to excel in multiple offensive positions.
Speed and Receiving Skills Highlight Smith’s Strengths
One of Smith’s standout attributes is his elite speed, backed by a 4.39-second 40-yard dash recorded at the NFL Combine. Beyond his rushing ability, Smith excelled as a receiving back, catching 39 passes for 327 yards and four touchdowns during his senior year. His dual-threat capability—as both a runner and a receiver—offers the Chiefs added flexibility, particularly on third downs where such skills are crucial.
Louis Riddick Praises Smith as a Player to Watch in 2025
Former NFL defensive back and ESPN analyst Louis Riddick has expressed strong optimism about Smith’s prospects. On NFL Live, Riddick highlighted Smith as a rookie to watch and made a bold comparison:
“Keep an eye on this kid Brashard Smith from SMU, who they drafted in the seventh [round],” —Louis Riddick, ESPN analyst
“He is an Alvin Kamara clone with like 4.3 speed.” —Louis Riddick, ESPN analyst
Riddick also discussed how the Chiefs have addressed critical needs this offseason, suggesting Smith could be an important part of their plans:
“They have got a lot of things going on in Kansas City,” —Louis Riddick, ESPN analyst
“Hey man, they may have addressed their issues as good as anybody.” —Louis Riddick, ESPN analyst
How Smith Compares to Alvin Kamara’s College and NFL Performance
The comparison between Smith and Kamara is intriguing but also nuanced. Kamara, despite never having rushed for over 1,000 yards in a season, has consistently produced over 1,100 scrimmage yards annually and is known as one of the most effective dual-threat running backs in the NFL. His career total exceeding 11,000 scrimmage yards highlights his value beyond just rushing stats.
In contrast, Smith’s senior-year rushing yards and touchdowns at SMU outpaced Kamara’s final college stats at Tennessee, where Kamara ran for 596 yards and had nine rushing touchdowns. Both players showed similar receiving numbers in college, with Kamara recording 40 catches for 392 yards and four touchdowns.
Potential Impact of Smith on the Chiefs’ Offense
While Smith is unlikely to match Kamara’s Pro Bowl achievements right away, the Chiefs stand to benefit greatly if their seventh–round pick develops into a versatile, dynamic player with Kamara-like abilities. His speed and receiving skills can add new dimensions to Kansas City’s offense, providing more options alongside star quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Turning a late-round selection into this type of contributor would represent a significant win for the franchise.