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ESPN writer picks Chiefs RB Brashard Smith as the biggest surprise heading into 2025

ESPN writer picks Chiefs RB Brashard Smith as the biggest surprise heading into 2025

USA Today04-07-2025
The Kansas City Chiefs selected running back Brashard Smith in the seventh round of this year's NFL Draft. ESPN's Adam Teicher recently wrote an article identifying the Chiefs' biggest surprise player as Smith, going into the new season.
"Judging from how he was utilized in offseason practices, the Chiefs have plans for Smith, a seventh-round draft pick out of SMU," wrote Teicher. "Smith was a wide receiver in college before moving to running back for his final season, and the Chiefs showcased his versatility by getting him the ball out of the backfield, from the slot, and split out wide. Smith ran a 4.39 40 at the combine, so he will fit in with a group of other fast skill players, including Xavier Worthy, Hollywood Brown, and Elijah Mitchell."
Smith earned Third-team Associated Press All-American All-Purpose and First-team All-ACC honors in his final college season with SMU. He led the team with 1,332 rushing yards on 235 carries and 14 rushing touchdowns.
The former wide receiver brings versatility to the position and could have an impact similar to that of the current starter and former seventh-round draft pick, Isiah Pacheco.
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