Future Broncos: SMU running back Brashard Smith

If the Denver Broncos are interested in adding a running back with premier receiving skills, SMU standout Brashard Smith is a player to watch for.

The 2025 NFL Draft is less than two weeks away. We have covered a lot of running backs to date in our annual prospect scouting reports. However, one intriguing player that deserves a deeper dive that hasn’t been discussed yet is SMU standout Brashard Smith.

After spending his first three seasons with the Miami Hurricanes primarily playing wide receiver and being a return specialist, Smith transferred to the Mustangs for his senior season. A change in scenery also meant a change in position, and the fourth-year player had a breakout year after switching to running back.

During his only year as a starter, Smith carried the ball 235 times for 1,332 yards and 14 touchdowns. He added 39 catches for 327 yards and 4 touchdowns as a receiver. When you sprinkle in his return numbers, Smith had nearly 2,000 all-purpose yards in 2024. His performance on the field and successful pre-draft circuit have caused him to rise from a late-round pick to someone who may hear his named called in the first 100 selections.

The Broncos had a formal interview with him at the NFL Combine. I think Head Coach Sean Payton will undoubtedly be intrigued by his receiving skills and big-play ability that may earn him some ‘joker’ consideration. Let’s take a deeper look at Smith, his strengths and weaknesses, and when Denver should consider picking him in this year’s draft.

Player Profile: Brashard Smith — Running Back — SMU

Height: 5’ 10” | Weight: 194 pounds | Arm Length: 30-1/2” | Hand Size: 8-3/4”

40-yard dash: 4.39 seconds | 10-yard split: 1.58 seconds | Vertical: 32-1/2” | Broad: 9’-9”

Statistics at SMU and Miami: 49 games, 253 carries, 1,509 rushing yards, 15 rushing touchdowns, 108 receptions, 1,097 receiving yards, 4 receiving touchdowns. Also returned 53 kicks for 1,295 yards and 1 touchdown.

Film Room & Highlights

Hart’s Scouting Report

Positives:

• Boasts top-tier speed with a 4.39 40-yard dash and ability to take it the distance
• Elusive and shifty in open space and has a habit of making defenders miss with his well-known spin move and change of direction skills
• Possesses above-average contact balance
• Former wide receiver with exceptional receiving ability who can be mismatch weapon in space and lined up in various spots for Sean Payton’s offense
• Low tread on his tires due to being a one-year starter at the position
• Offers significant upside on special teams due to his kick returning ability

Negatives:

• On the smaller size and likely just a change of pace player at the next level
• Still learning the position and doesn’t have the best vision and decisiveness
• Isn’t going to be much of a threat to move the chains in tough yard situations and struggled when teams placed an extra defender in the box
• Ball security and fumbles are a concern

Hart’s Projection: Early Day 3 Selection (Fourth Round Value)

Why the Denver Broncos should consider drafting Smith

If the Broncos are in pursuit of a prospect who can offer value as a runner, receiver, and special teams’ player—Smith is certainly one of the more intriguing options in this year’s draft.

He doesn’t have the size to be a three-down back that can shoulder a major workload in the National Football League, but his unique skillset and explosive athleticism will give him the opportunity to be a versatile player teams can deploy in multiple fashions. His performance this past season was admirable and impressive for a one-year starter. Alas, his vision and decision-making ability pales in comparison to other tried-and-true experienced starters available in the draft.

Smith’s future in the pros is best as a complimentary player who offers mismatch ability in space due to his prowess as a receiver. Teams will undoubtedly move him up a tick on their boards because he is a quality return man as well. If the Broncos opt to utilize an early pick on one of the higher rated prospects in this draft, Smith would be a good prospect to consider, though it would be a disappointment if he was the only player added to the room in a loaded class.

Overall, Smith is certainly a talented player Payton could craft a role for in the offense. Though the aforementioned concerns make me wonder how much of an impact he can make in the league in his first season. It may take a few years to hit his stride, but teams who are willing to be patient with his development may be rewarded handsomely due to his skills a few years down the road. If he is available on Day 3, he is certainly someone I’d like them to consider.