The Kansas City Chiefs have some soul-searching to do this coming offseason. As their worst year in over a decade comes to a close, the defending conference champions need to hit on most of their looming decisions.
Getting some development from their current draft class would help. Their final pick, running back Brashard Smith, is generating some buzz.
There’s one pressing question regarding Smith, though. What position will he play moving forward?
Chiefs RB Brashard Smith Willing to Fill Any Role Moving Forward
If you ask the seventh-round pick, he’s up for any challenge. Speaking to the media on Friday, Smith said he simply wants to help the team win.
“I mean, it doesn’t really matter to me,” Smith said. “I feel like I’m an athlete. I can play anything the coach wants me to play. Just being available, also, at any position, I feel like that’s a plus. I probably don’t have just one name, but it doesn’t matter to me. I like making plays.”
Fresh off a Christmas Day performance that saw him score his first professional touchdown, Smith doesn’t think he’s arrived. The Miami and SMU product believes more is in store for him as his career rolls on.
“I feel like I still haven’t done much yet,” Smith said. “I have a lot in my future. I’m just keeping it game-by-game, and I feel like I’ll be there soon.”
Given that Kansas City has been out of playoff contention for weeks, Sunday’s regular-season finale against the Las Vegas Raiders is all about showcasing talent. Players, coaches and front office staff alike still have plenty left to learn with a game left to play. With running back Kareem Hunt (illness) not practicing on Wednesday and Thursday and starter Isiah Pacheco (rest) being limited both days, is the door open for Smith to make an impact?
It’s possible. Considering Smith played just six offensive snaps in Week 17 but still found the end zone against the Denver Broncos, an increased workload may help everyone.
Offseason Goal for Smith Outlined Ahead of Kansas City’s Week 18 Game
The nature of that score highlights the intrigue surrounding Smith, though. In college, he started off as a wide receiver with the Hurricanes. By the time he wound up with the Mustangs to close out his collegiate tenure, he was converted to a halfback. Last year, he ran the ball 235 times for 1,332 yards and 14 touchdowns but added another 39 receptions, 327 yards and 4 scores as a pass catcher.
Through 16 games with the Chiefs, Smith has mustered just 95 rushing yards on 32 totes. In the receiving game, he’s hauled in 23 passes for 170 yards. Does the team have clarity on whether he’ll be a running back or wideout in 2026 and beyond?
Head coach Andy Reid told the media this week his rookie can do both. With that said, Kansas City remains committed to developing Smith as a receiving threat at the running back position.
“I think both,” Reid said. “A good offseason of strength training and eating right and doing all those things that you need to do to play that position over an extended period of time. I think that will benefit him.”
Over the next handful of months, Smith wants to start looking the part.
“Just getting bigger, stronger,” Smith said of his focus. “Just actually look like a running back, but still play exactly how I play. That’s the biggest thing for me, just gaining weight and keeping my speed.”
According to NFL Pro, Smith averages a full yard below expectation per carry. That, paired with the eye test, proves he still has some work to do before being a true halfback.
If one other thing is clear, however, it’s that he’s willing to do what it takes to reach that status.
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