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2025 NFL Draft Profile: Brashard Smith, SMU

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By Matthew Brown | Last updated Mar 10, 2025 9:29 PM ET

Brashard Smith has improved his draft stock significantly over the past year. He accumulated nearly 2,000 total yards in his senior season and ran under 4.40 seconds at the combine. Now, he sets his sights on the NFL. Here is a 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report on the All-American running back.

More 2025 NFL Draft Profiles

Overview, Film Analysis, And 2025 Scouting Report Of SMU RB Brashard Smith

Measurables:

5’9”
195 lbs

2025 NFL Combine Results:

40-Yard Dash: 4.39 seconds
10-Yard Split: 1.58 seconds
Vertical Jump: 32.5”
Broad Jump: 9’ 9″

Player Background:

Brashard Smith is a former four-star recruit and, Top-30 wide receiver nationally, who played high school football for Miami Palmetto HS in Miami, Florida. He ended up staying within the state of Florida after committing to the University of Miami during the 2021 recruiting cycle. He chose the Hurricanes over powerhouse programs like Alabama, LSU and Michigan.

It didn’t take long for Smith to make an immediate impact at the collegiate level. In the fourth game of his freshman season, he recorded 91 yards and a touchdown on five receptions. The rest of the season was a struggle though. Smith managed just 123 total yards and one touchdown on 13 offensive touches. The following year was much more consistent for him. In 11 games as a sophomore, he accumulated 330 total yards and 28 yards per game on 36 offensive touches.

Smith finally broke out as a part-time running back in 2023. His 132 rushing yards on just nine carries showcased his explosiveness at the position. As a receiver, he saw a decrease in volume after managing just 22 receptions for 263 yards and two touchdowns. This led to his declaration to enter the transfer portal. As a three-star transfer, he committed to Southern Methodist University and became a full-time running back for them. He set the program record for all-purpose yards with 1,977 and averaged 141 total yards per game while helping lead the Mustangs to the 2025 College Football Playoffs.

Accolades:

All-American Third Team (2024)
All-ACC First Team (2024)
All-Texas First Team (2024)
All-ACC Second Team (2023)

Best Tools/Pros:

Brashard Smith has some of the best ball skills and route-running ability out of all the running backs in this draft class. When lined up in the backfield, he is incredibly quick to transition from a pass catcher to a runner after hauling in swing passes. When lined up in the slot, he has the kind of twitch to consistently separate from slower linebackers and defensive backs. After the catch, Smith has the kind of second gear that many NFL scouts looking for explosive plays will fall in love with.

A converted WR, SMU RB Brashard Smith is a weapon. In '24: 1,326 rush yds, 14 TD + 41 rec for 337 yds, 4 TD

Hit 22.1 mph on this 71-yard TD against Pitt – tied for 6th-fastest speed by a ball carrier this past season. pic.twitter.com/1XLqOM3x6R

— Ricky Raines (@rickyboboddy) February 21, 2025

Strictly as a running back, Smith has incredible burst to hit holes and get to the second level of the defense. Once he gets to the second level, his background as a kick returner shines through. The vision he possesses in open space is among the best in this class and he pairs that with an incredibly quick stop-and-start move to force missed tackles in one-on-one situations. He is able to pair this move with his exceptional burst on outside runs to beat defenders to the edge and turn what look to be small gains into explosive plays.

Tools to Improve/Cons:

Brashard Smith will need to understand some of the nuances of the running back position if he wants to become a starter at the NFL level. The way he carries the ball while running will most likely lead to several fumbles. Right now, he tends to hold the football loosely in his arm rather than with a strong grip. He never coughed up the ball in college but defenders are always looking to rip the ball loose at the next level.

The processing and timing Smith currently has is understandable given the fact he is still adjusting to the position but there are too many examples of him waiting to hit the gap which led to lost yardage. On plays where the offensive line is pulling, he can be too quick and he will need to stay behind his blockers rather than getting out in front of them. When given inside handoffs, he doesn’t always pick out cutback lanes and can stick with a play for far too long.

Potential Team Fits:

NFL Projection:

While Brashard Smith may lack the frame to be the lead running back on an NFL roster, he will contribute in a committee. Scouts will value his big-play and receiving ability, both of which could get him drafted a whole round earlier than projected. Having returned punts and kickoffs in college, Smith could bring added value on special teams at the next level.

As mentioned, his frame will raise durability concerns and likely limit him from ever becoming a starting running back. He could carve out a successful NFL career if a team is able to develop his vision as a runner but will find his way onto 53-man rosters because of his all-around athleticism and game-breaking ability.