The Kansas City Chiefs just wrapped up an impressive NFL Draft that saw them add numerous exciting young players to a foundation already built for sustained success.
After finding a left tackle of the future in Josh Simmons in the first round and rebuilding the defensive line in the second and third, the Chiefs spent considerable resources on the final day on playmakers. They selected Utah State star WR Jordan Royals in the fourth round, then traded up in the seventh to land SMU dual-threat RB Brashard Smith.
Both should quickly become favorites of fans, though Smith in particular has an opportunity to earn a big role in what's a murky backfield with Isiah Pacheco, Kareem Hunt, Elijah Mitchell, and Carson Steele. Smith spoke to the media shortly after being selected, and his first comments to the public should officially put Pacheco on notice this season.
New Chiefs RB Brashard Smith: "Whenever I'm on the field, I'm going to bring some juice."
— Matt Derrick (@mattderrick) April 26, 2025
Also confirms his coach at SMU compared him to Isiah Pacheco.
Chiefs RB Brashard Smith Could Be Coming for Isiah Pacheco's Job
"Whenever I'm on the field," Smith said, "I'm going to bring some juice." He confirmed that his coach at SMU compared him to Pacheco, who was also a seventh-round pick back in 2022. Pacheco is entering the last year of his contract and injuries helped cause him to lose his role to Hunt in 2024, so it's fair to wonder if Smith has a real chance to eat into the 26-year-old's workload.
Smith is a dynamic receiver out of the backfield, having been a converted wideout who now plays running back. He ran a 4.39 40-yard dash and put up 1,659 yards from scrimmage with 18 TDs last season, showcasing a unique home-run ability that Kansas City's offense has lacked in recent years.
When Pacheco is healthy, he's still a great runner in this offense and a thunderous bruiser. Smith could be a complementary option, providing more lightning, and it's easy to see the two terrorize defenses alongside Hunt.
However, the writing could be on the wall for Pacheco. If Smith has an excellent rookie campaign similar to Pacheco's, the Chiefs could elect to move on and not offer a contract extension. Maybe Smith reminds the coaching staff of an even better Pacheco, at which point the latter could become expendable.
There's a lot riding on this, obviously, and the future of Pacheco's career in Kansas City could be hanging in the balance. Here's hoping he bounces back with a terrific campaign and the Chiefs can move forward with a dynamic one-two punch.