Could SMU RB Brashard Smith be the ‘Joker’ that Sean Payton is looking for?
Sean Payton’s search for a ‘Joker’ at the running back and tight end position has been the talk of the offseason. He is looking for playmakers who will create mismatches and give quarterback Bo Nix more weapons to work with. One player who could be a ‘Joker’ option for the Broncos is SMU running back Brashard Smith.
SMU RB Brashard Smith said that in his interview with the Broncos, they went over “what they see in me and how they can use me in their offense,” which is “making plays, just coming out of the backfield … I feel like they pride that a lot.”
Sounds much like a “joker” role. pic.twitter.com/4ZURFJb4Rr
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) February 28, 2025
Smith met with the media at the Combine on Friday and was asked about his meeting with the Broncos. He said they went over what they see in him and how they plan on using him in their offense. Smith continued and said he feels like making plays and coming out of the backfield is something they pride themselves on, which Andrew Mason noted, sounds like a ‘Joker’ role which Sean Payton is searching for.
The Broncos are in search of a ‘Joker’ type at their running back position and Smith has the potential to be that type of player for them. He is listed at just 5’9, 195 pounds, but is a former wide receiver who moved to running back and figures to be a pass-catching back in the NFL.
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein says Smith’s ball skills and ability to run routes in space may get him drafted a full round earlier than some anticipate.
Undersized running back who transferred from Miami and switched positions from wide receiver. Smith lacks ideal size and displays some hesitation in his early reads but is slippery over the first two levels, using quick cuts and spin moves to elude tacklers. He has a feel for finding soft spots along the interior but has average speed to turn the corner on wide runs. He could get pushed up a full round thanks to his ball skills and ability to run routes in space. Smith shined as a kick returner at Miami and will likely get that chance in the pros as a third-down back with room for development.
A running back like Smith would be the second addition to the Broncos running back room, not their first. He profiles as a third-down/pass-catching back you try to get into space. He is not a lead back but someone you use like they have used Jaleel McLaughlin the past few seasons. If he were paired with an Ashton Jeanty, Omarion Hampton, Kaleb Johnson or any other of the bigger and more powerful backs in the draft, it would make sense.
To me, Smith feels like a late day two to early day three type of player. He could be pushed a little further back due to the talent and depth of this running back group. Personally, there are a few other backs I would prefer in this role, but he is among the candidates to be the Broncos ‘Joker’ at running back.