Brashard Smith NFL Draft 2025: Scouting Report for SMU RB

HEIGHT: 5'10"

WEIGHT: 194

HAND: 8¾"

ARM: 30½"

WINGSPAN: 74"

40-YARD DASH: 4.39

VERTICAL: 32.5"

BROAD: 9'9"

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POSITIVES

— Dynamic mover in space. Will make defenders miss in space due to elusiveness.

— Great receiving ability. Will run various routes from the slot and out of the backfield.

— Big-time top-end speed to generate explosive plays down the field.

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NEGATIVES

— Small and undersized frame. Do not expect a heavy workload in the NFL.

— Run power when pressing lanes downhill. Does not finish runs with a pop.

— Increasing his effectiveness in pass protection.

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NOTES

— Born April 11, 2003

— 4-star recruit in 2021 class, per 247Sports

— 2024 First-team All-ACC; Third-team AP All-American All-Purpose

— 2023 Second-team All-ACC

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OVERALL

Brashard Smith is the best satellite running back in the 2025 NFL draft.

Smith is a former wide receiver who converted to running back and is noticeable on film. He is a dynamic weapon in the passing game out of the backfield.

Smith was a slot receiver at Miami. His experience running routes from various receiver alignments will pay dividends with a creative offensive coordinator in the NFL who is not afraid to deploy him in that fashion. Out of the backfield, he is a mismatch waiting to happen for linebackers due to his electric movement patterns and route-running.

Smith has played full-time running back for only one season. He adapted fairly well, running with vision and patience behind his blockers. He changes gears with quickness and suddenness. Smith is a dynamic slashing runner who will fit well inside the West Coast/wide-zone schemes. He has the burst and speed to beat second-level defenders to the perimeter, in addition to creating explosive plays both as a runner and receiver.

The concerns with Smith’s profile begin with his small frame. He is not built to handle a heavy, bellcow-like workload. He doesn’t consistently run behind his pads and with power on contact. At times, he will turn down running through an alley defender in tight quarters.

Overall, Smith projects as a dynamic change-of-pace rotational back. His pass-catching prowess and explosive speed will help him generate mismatches in the NFL. He will be relied upon for big plays down the field and is a threat at any moment.

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GRADE: 6.5 (Potential Role Player — 4th Round)

OVERALL RANK: 170

POSITION RANK: RB20

PRO COMPARISON: Shades of Bucky Irving

Written by B/R NFL Scout Dame Parson