Chiefs Drafting RB Brashard Smith Could End Elijah Mitchell’s KC Tenure Before It Begins
The Kansas City Chiefs may have made a quiet but seismic shift in their backfield by drafting running back Brashard Smith. Though the pick didn’t dominate headlines, it may signal the end of Elijah Mitchell’s time with the team before it even gets started. Smith brings a versatile skill set that mirrors some of the best traits the Chiefs have coveted in their backs — and may simply offer more upside than Mitchell can match.
Mitchell, acquired this offseason, was expected to compete for a complementary role behind Isiah Pacheco. Known for his straight-line speed and north-south running style, Mitchell has proven to be effective in the right situations. However, injuries and limited versatility have kept him from becoming a consistent impact player. That’s where Smith enters the picture.
A dynamic playmaker out of the backfield, Brashard Smith looks like a younger version of former Chief Jerick McKinnon — a player the team leaned on heavily during past postseason runs. Smith has elite pass-catching ability, smooth route running, and breakaway speed that immediately gives him a home-run element the offense has missed. He’s not just a checkdown option; he can line up in the slot, catch passes in space, and break off explosive plays — something Kansas City lacked in 2023.
What’s more, Smith’s football IQ and feel for the game are beyond his years. He processes defenses quickly and offers pass protection skills that are rare for rookie backs. That kind of polish could earn him immediate playing time in Andy Reid’s complex offense.
In contrast, Mitchell faces an uphill climb. He doesn’t provide the same receiving upside or dynamism. While he could carve out a niche on special teams or as a situational back, the presence of Smith — plus returning contributors like Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Pacheco — makes the depth chart feel crowded.
The Chiefs are always looking for mismatches and fresh legs that can thrive in high-leverage moments. Brashard Smith looks tailor-made for that role. If he flashes early in camp and preseason, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Kansas City move on from Mitchell before the regular season kicks off.
In a backfield built on speed, versatility, and creativity, Smith may be the perfect next-gen weapon — and his arrival might mark the end of the road for Mitchell in Kansas City.