Chiefs' Kareem Hunt, Andy Reid share first impressions of rookie who could change Kansas City's fortunes at running back

The Kansas City Chiefs waited until the last moment on Day 3 of the 2025 NFL Draft to address the running back position, trading up to pick No. 228 to select SMU RB Brashard Smith. 

The 5-foot-10 and 194-pound running back brings production as a rusher, with 1,332 yards and 14 touchdowns in 14 games last season. However, the former wide receiver convert also hauled in 39 receptions for 327 yards and four more scores, an area of his game that could come into play and transform the rushing attack for Kansas City in 2025. 

Brashard Smith impresses Chiefs HC Andy Reid, fellow running back Kareem Hunt during OTAs

The Chiefs won't really delve into the running game until the pads come on during training camp later this summer, but Andy Reid has liked what he's seen so far from the rookie seventh-round draft pick, Brashard Smith. 

"Yeah, I like what he does," Reid told reporters on Thursday. "He's got good speed and is a good route runner, a part of his game. For running backs and linebackers, these are kind of tough, tough camps, so we'll just see how things go once we hit [training camp]. But what we've asked him to do, he's done a good job."

While Smith's status as a seventh-round draft pick might be more relatable to Isiah Pacheco, he's got plenty of experienced veterans to lean on. Former Chiefs third-round draft pick Kareem Hunt spoke about what he'd seen so far from Smith. 

"Good, man," Hunt said. "I like him a lot. You know, a guy who's very versatile, and quick, good speed, and I like him so far, for sure." 

Smith showcased his speed (4.38s 40-yard dash), versatility, and route-running ability in 7-on-7 team drills with a repetition against CB Kristian Fulton on Thursday. While the team doesn't do many run-focused drills during OTAs, they find unique ways to get running backs involved in the passing game. Smith flexed out from the RB spot as a receiver and hauled in a deep pass from Patrick Mahomes down the sideline. 

In general, the Chiefs' running back room is deeper than it has been in recent years. In addition to the rookie Smith, Hunt has found himself sharing the backfield with Pacheco and free agent acquisition Elijah Mitchell during OTAs, with Carson Steele and Elijah Young providing depth.  

"I think we got a strong group, man," Hunt said. "And I'm excited to work with these guys and see everybody at full health, get offseasons, and be able to come out there and help this team."