How Brashard Smith Became the Chiefs’ Midseason Rookie Star

Despite drafting a few ballplayers that were among the headliners at their position in the predraft process, Kansas City entered the 2025 campaign with modest expectations from their rookie class. Seven picks in total, led by first-round offensive tackle Josh Simmons, offered a blend of developmental depth and potential role players for a roster already rich with veteran talent. Yet halfway through the season, with Simmons missing time due to injury and others still carving out rotational spots, the most heavily involved has been their final selection in seventh-round offensive chess piece Brashard Smith. Taken 228th overall out of SMU, the Chiefs, as they often have, found immense value in a player that remained one of college football's most dynamic playmakers over the last few seasons. Trough nine weeks, he’s earned the title as Kansas City’s Midseason Rookie of the Year. His numbers -- 82 rushing yards on 28 carries and 14 receptions for 122 more -- don’t jump off the page, but they speak to a player mak