Rookie running back Brashard Smith, a seventh-round pick in this year’s NFL Draft, has quickly made an impression in his first few months with the Kansas City Chiefs, even on their star quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
While still finding his footing in the offense, Smith has already earned a consistent role as the team’s kick returner and has shown flashes of real potential.
Through the opening weeks, he’s taken seven returns for 192 yards, averaging more than 27 yards per attempt, an explosive start that has caught both coaches and fans by surprise.
Yet even with his early success, Smith is making headlines for his deep admiration for quarterback Mahomes, who leads the franchise.
Glowing praise for Mahomes
“He’s literally the best QB I’ve ever played with,” Smith said. “I know how smart he is. He sees things quicker than most other quarterbacks. I love that about him.”
It’s a sentiment plenty of NFL fans would agree with, but Smith has the privilege of watching Mahomes’ brilliance up close.
After a sluggish start to the season, Mahomes appears to be rounding back into elite form. Following back-to-back losses to open the year, the 30-year-old quarterback has led a resurgence, throwing for 939 yards, seven touchdowns, and just one interception across the first four games.
Mahomes returns the favor to Smith
While the rookie has made it clear he’s one of Mahomes’ biggest admirers, the feeling appears to be mutual.
“He’s done a great job,” Mahomes said when asked about Smith’s early contributions.
“Just like any other rookie in this offense, you give him more and more each week, and he’s done a good job at taking it in and executing at a high level. So we’ll continue to do that.
“It helps that he played receiver a lot, so he can run routes, and he’s also played running back, so he can run between the tackles.”
Mahomes’ comments show the confidence Kansas City’s coaching staff already has in the rookie. That versatility has quickly become Smith’s calling card, giving the Chiefs another layer of flexibility in an offense already known for its creativity.
For Smith, being in the same huddle as Mahomes is both a learning experience and a career highlight. For Mahomes, it’s another reminder of how his leadership continues to shape the next generation of Chiefs talent.
Read the full article here
