The Kansas City Chiefs selected Brashard Smith, a wide receiver turned running back from SMU, in the seventh round of the 2025 <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/”>NFL Draft to strengthen their backfield. This move mirrors their approach in 2022 when they drafted Isiah Pacheco in the same round. Both players entered the NFL as under-the-radar picks but have since taken on similar responsibilities as rookies in Kansas City, according to Pacheco.
Pacheco Compares His Initial Role to Smith’s Early Days with the Team
Isiah Pacheco described the role he had as a rookie, noting its demands beyond rushing duties.
“I had that similar role when I came in here,”
Pacheco said.
“It’s just finding ways to get better, whether that’s on the special teams, wherever it may be, building a relationship with guys so you could learn a little bit more about them. And as far as the game on itself, competing.”
Through the first two days of practice, Smith is already embracing this multi-faceted role, participating with the first-team offense and lining up as a receiver out of the backfield for quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
Smith’s Role Expands into Offensive and Special Teams Duties
Smith’s background as a wide receiver suits his use in the Chiefs’ offensive schemes, where he operates from the backfield as a receiving threat. In addition to this offensive role, he is competing for responsibilities on special teams as a return specialist. He faces stiff competition from players like Xavier Worthy, Nikko Remigio, Elijah Badger, Jalen Royals, Skyy Moore, and Tyquan Thornton, all vying to contribute on punt and kick returns. Pacheco’s progress in his rookie training camp demonstrates how hard work can elevate a seventh-round pick; by Week 7 of the 2022 season, Pacheco was the Chiefs’ starting running back. However, Smith’s challenge appears greater due to the depth and versatility of the current running back room.
Embracing Multiple Roles Reflects the Chiefs’ Team Ethos
Pacheco emphasized the importance of adaptability in the team’s culture, acknowledging the varied skills of his teammates.
“We’ve got guys that you can depend on, you know, as far as saying that you’re only doing one thing,”
Pacheco said.
“You can’t just say that about us guys, playing all (these) different roles. I’m having fun with it, just competing.”
This mentality has been key to Pacheco’s success and sets a blueprint for Smith as he navigates the challenges of his rookie season.
Outlook for Smith’s Future Role in the 2025 Chiefs Season
Smith’s willingness to fulfill multiple duties for the coaching staff positions him well for a role in the upcoming NFL season. While his exact impact remains uncertain, following Pacheco’s path suggests that versatility and perseverance could earn him significant opportunities on offense and special teams. How his contributions evolve will be closely watched as the Chiefs prepare to build depth and explosiveness for 2025.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What tragedy happened to Isiah Pacheco?
A. The Heartbreaking Losses of Isiah Pacheco In 2016 and 2017, Isiah faced devastating losses. Travoise and Celeste, his loved ones, were both tragically killed. His brother, Travoise, was stabbed in his apartment. The attacker claimed self-defense but was later convicted of homicide.
Q. What bone did Isiah Pacheco break?
A. After the accident, it was discovered that Pacheco had a broken fibula. Bones typically need a few months to heal properly. Early news suggested that Pacheco would miss about four weeks.
Q. Has Isiah Pacheco cleared the concussion protocol?
A. KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Isiah Pacheco, a running back, passed the NFL’s concussion test. He will play for the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals, according to a source who spoke with ESPN’s Adam Schefter.