Why You Should Draft RB Brashard Smith In Your Fantasy League
In the crowded landscape of fantasy football late-round picks, Kansas City Chiefs rookie running back Brashard Smith represents something truly unique: a converted wide receiver with elite hands landing in the perfect offensive system with the NFL’s most innovative quarterback. While fantasy managers are busy chasing big names in early rounds, the smart money should be keeping a close eye on this seventh-round gem who could deliver massive value.
The WR-to-RB Conversion Advantage
Smith’s journey from wide receiver to running back isn’t just an interesting storyline—it’s a fantasy goldmine waiting to be tapped. With 108 receptions and 1,097 receiving yards across his college career, Smith brings a skill set that most traditional running backs simply don’t possess. In today’s pass-heavy NFL, running backs who can consistently contribute in the receiving game are fantasy gold.
After converting to running back with SMU for his final collegiate season, Smith totaled 1,659 yards from scrimmage with 14 touchdowns, proving he could handle the dual-threat role that modern NFL offenses crave. This isn’t a gadget player—this is a legitimate weapon who happens to have the hands of a receiver and the vision of a running back.
The Mahomes Factor: A Match Made in Fantasy Heaven
Here’s where things get really interesting. Patrick Mahomes has built his Hall of Fame trajectory on finding mismatches and exploiting defensive weaknesses. Smith’s unique skill set gives Mahomes exactly what he needs: a running back who can line up anywhere on the field and create confusion for opposing defenses.
Think about the Kansas City offense’s evolution. They’ve consistently found ways to maximize mismatches—remember how they used Tyreek Hill in the backfield? Smith offers that same versatility but with the added dimension of being a legitimate running threat. Smith’s dynamic skill set and blazing speed could make him a valuable sleeper in Kansas City’s offense as a potential passing-down weapon for Patrick Mahomes.
When defenses try to match personnel for run defense, Smith can slip out wide or into the slot. When they go with nickel coverage, he can pound it between the tackles. This versatility makes him a nightmare to game-plan against and a dream for fantasy production.
The Physical Tools Are Elite
Don’t let the seventh-round draft position fool you. Smith ran a 4.39 forty-yard dash, putting him in elite speed territory for any position, let alone running back. Combined with his receiver background, this speed translates to breakaway potential that could turn any touch into a game-changing play.
Smith is described as “elusive and shifty in open space” with “a habit of making defenders miss with his well-known spin move and change of direction skills”. These aren’t just college highlights—these are NFL-ready skills that translate directly to fantasy points.
The Opportunity is Real
The Chiefs’ backfield situation couldn’t be more favorable for a rookie to make an impact. Smith will be on a historically strong offense with a relatively open backfield. This isn’t about hoping for injuries to starters—this is about recognizing that Andy Reid’s offense has historically found ways to get playmakers involved regardless of depth chart position.
Smith also offers significant special teams value, having returned 53 kicks for 1,295 yards and 1 touchdown in college. This gives him multiple avenues to see the field early in his NFL career, and special teams production often translates to increased offensive opportunities.
The Low-Risk, High-Reward Profile
Here’s the beautiful part of the Smith investment: he’s likely available in the final rounds of your draft or even as a free agent pickup. While it’s difficult to get too excited about the potential for a seventh-round selection to immediately contribute, Smith’s unique circumstances make him an exception to that rule.
You’re not drafting him expecting RB1 production from day one. You’re drafting him as a lottery ticket with better odds than most. In best ball formats, he’s a perfect stash. In season-long leagues, he’s the type of player who could win you weeks when he hits.
The Bottom Line
Fantasy football is won in the late rounds, and Brashard Smith represents everything you want in a late-round flyer: elite physical tools, a unique skill set, an innovative coaching staff, a Hall of Fame quarterback, and opportunity knocking at the door.
The Chiefs believed Smith was worth trading up for in the final round, showing they see something special. When Andy Reid and the Kansas City front office identify a player worth investing draft capital in, smart fantasy managers should take notice.
Don’t be the manager who looks back in December wondering how you missed the converted receiver who became Mahomes’ favorite target. Brashard Smith isn’t just a sleeper—he’s a potential league-winner hiding in plain sight.
Draft him late, stash him early, and thank yourself when he starts putting up numbers that make your league-mates wonder how they missed the most obvious mismatch advantage in football.
(Aspiring NFL Writer | Children’s Author | Chicago Bears Devotee in Chiefs Territory)