Patrick Mahomes has a brand new offensive weapon, and he showed it off at Kansas City Chiefs OTAs on June 12, hitting rookie running back Brashard Smith on a deep route for an explosive touchdown reception.
And this connection caught the attention of every beat reporter in attendance.
“Mahomes had a throw on a dime to Brashard Smith on a deep pass,” KSHB 41’s Nick Jacobs relayed on X. “Spot on and led him with the throw.”
Similarly, Arrowhead Pride beat writer Pete Sweeney reported: “Later in 7s, rookie RB Brashard Smith lined up outside one-on-one against CB Kristian Fulton with a ‘go’ route call. Smith showcased that sub-4.4 speed and got about three steps on Fulton, and Mahomes delivered it deep down the field for a touchdown.”
Finally, after some expressed that the “play of the day” came on the defensive side on June 12, Chiefs Digest reporter Matt Derrick argued that Mahomes and Smith deserved consideration for that honor.
“It was the throw to Smith, however, that delivered the offense its play of the day,” Derrick wrote the following morning on June 13. “Smith ran a wheel route off the line of scrimmage down the left sideline and Mahomes dropped the ball into his waiting hands downfield.”
“It’s the kind of play one might expect from a receiver-turned-running-back,” he continued. “Cornerback Kristian Fulton had no chance to keep up with the speedy Smith, who could have easily scored a touchdown on the play.”
Rookie Running Back Brashard Smith Displays Receiving Prowess at Chiefs OTAs
It’s been a while since Mahomes and the Chiefs have had a dynamic pass-catching running back on the roster.
Yes, Jerick McKinnon and Samaje Perine were both reliable third-down backs who caught the ball well and had a knack for getting open as safety nets, but they weren’t explosive like Smith — who can take the top off a defense similar to Xavier Worthy or Hollywood Brown.
That’s rare for a running back, and the rookie should add another new layer to this Chiefs offense in 2025.
“I like what he does, he’s got good speed and good [route running] as part of his game,” head coach Andy Reid said of Smith after practice.
He also cautioned reporters, noting that it can be difficult to judge positions like running back and linebacker during OTAs, which are passing practices for the most part. Of course, Smith’s greatest attribute could be his ability in the passing game.
Patrick Mahomes Could Have the Most Well-Rounded Playmaker Group of His NFL Career
If Kansas City can just stay healthy, it feels like the sky is the limit for Mahomes and this collection of offensive skill players this season.
General manager Brett Veach has checked every box for Coach Reid and his two-time MVP quarterback.
You have the trailblazers and deep threats: Worthy, Brown, Smith, or maybe even Tyquan Thornton.
The underneath threats and yards after catch menaces: Rashee Rice, Travis Kelce, rookie Jalen Royals and Noah Gray.
The home-run hitter out of the backfield: Isiah Pacheco (and also Smith).
And, of course, the tough yardage grinder and goal line back: Kareem Hunt.
Add in a veteran tactician and plus-run blocker like JuJu Smith-Schuster or a nifty route-runner like Skyy Moore, and the Chiefs might have their most well-rounded group of playmakers of the Patrick Mahomes era. And the NFL’s best all-around quarterback is the maestro.
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