'Those are special football players to have' — Chiefs' Andy Reid, Patrick Mahomes feed growing hype for rookie RB Brashard Smith

The hype is growing surrounding one Kansas City Chiefs rookie, and recent comments from Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes have only added to it.

The Chiefs have been gradually increasing rookie RB Brashard Smith's playing time over the first four weeks of the 2025 NFL season. While it hasn't culminated in the most striking production, it's clear that the rookie is making progress, earning the trust of his teammates and coaches, and carving out a more substantial role for himself moving forward. Asked during Thursday's press conference how the rookie has fared, Chiefs HC Andy Reid gave his honest assessment.

“Well, literally being able to handle it is half the battle," Reid said. "From a mental standpoint, he’s (Brashard Smith) picked it up well. He’s in a good room where guys can help him and have done some of things in the past that we’re asking him to do. He’s willing to listen. He is a very humble kid and works hard.”

Chiefs RB Brashard Smith Stats Through NFL Week 4

• Carries: 7
• Rushing yards: 24
• Targets: 6
• Receptions: 3
• Receiving yards: 27
• Touchdowns: 0
• Offensive Snaps: 40

Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes says Brashard Smith is a "special" player

The former SMU Mustang converted from wide receiver to running back during the 2024 college football season, recording a staggering 1,659 scrimmage yards and 18 touchdowns on 274 touches. He's pacing for nowhere near that production in his first NFL season in 2025, but you could hardly ask that of a player who is still learning how to play a new position. The Chiefs are working to maximize his versatility, which is something that Patrick Mahomes believes makes him a "special" player.

“He’s (Brashard Smith) done a great job," Mahomes said. "Just like any other rookie in this offense, you kind of give more and more every week, and he’s done a good job of taking it in and going out there and executing at a high level. We’ll continue to do that. It helps that he played receiver a lot, so he can run routes. And he also played running back, so he can run between the tackles, and those are special football players to have because it keeps the defenses guessing, and that’s what you want to do, you want them on their heels and then be able to attack them a variety of different ways.”

Another sign that the rookie is moving in the right direction on offense? Smith's special teams snaps have actually gone the opposite direction as his work on offense has increased. He played just two snaps in Week 4 against the Baltimore Ravens, both as a kickoff return specialist. In total, Smith has seven kick returns for 192 yards and an average of 27.4 yards per return this season.