FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in March. Here’s a look at SMU running back Brashard Smith. And check out our entire 2025 NFL Draft Guide.
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2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Brashard Smith
Brashard Smith (RB – SMU)
5-foot-9 | 195 Pounds
Background
Brashard Smith was a four-star recruit who originally committed to the University of Miami as a wide receiver. Spent three seasons there playing in the slot, catching 14-199-2 (14.2) as a freshman, 33-308-0 (9.3) as a sophomore and 22-262-2 (12.0) as a junior while also returning some kicks (one touchdown in 2023). Transferred to Southern Methodist and converted to running back for the 2024 season, totaling 235-1,332-14 (5.7) on the ground and 39-327-4 (8.4) through the air.
Positives
Smith has done a little bit of everything in college, converting to running back this season and enjoying an impressive year in the Mustangs’ primarily zone-based offense. Runs with good knee bend and a low pad level. Uses his height to his advantage to hide behind blockers and play peek-a-boo with opposing defenders. Has very quick feet and makes nice cuts in the backfield. Flexible player who does a nice job of squeezing his way through congestion.
A smooth accelerator with solid burst in the hole and the long speed to hit home runs when he finds a lane. Shows solid agility to bounce runs outside. Just fast enough to stretch out the defense and create opportunities to cut runs back inside. Creative and elusive when he gets to the second level; hard to get your hands on when he’s got some room to work with.
There are flashes of competitiveness to finish runs. Shows good determination near the goal line. As a former receiver, has natural hands out of the backfield, with Pro Football Focus (PFF) having him down for only six drops against 109 career receptions. Effective player when he’s able to find a crease, as he shows good burst, smooth acceleration and a little bit of wiggle to navigate through congestion. Gives good effort as a blocker.
Negatives
Tiny with a thin build, Smith looks more like a slot receiver than a running back, which could create concerns about his long-term durability. Vision is still a work in progress. Will occasionally run into the backs of his blockers when there’s an open gap he could hit. Doesn’t run with power; tends to gear down into contact to protect his body. Lacks the lower-body strength to push the pile.
Smith gets tripped up by arm tackles on his way through the hole. Ball security looks like it could be an issue, with five career fumbles against 252 career carries. Knocked off of routes easily by physical defensive backs. Lacks the functional strength to give opposing rushers much trouble in blitz pickup.
Summary
A pretty unique prospect in the class in the sense he’s played extensively as a running back, slot receiver and return specialist, with impressive flexibility, agility and elusiveness, especially when he gets some room to work with.
However, at this point, he’s still very much a work in progress as he continues to develop his vision, with functional strength closer to a slot receiver than a running back. Smith will probably get some third-round considerations as a Swiss army knife type whose early contributions may come on special teams.
Projection: Round 5
Check out all of our 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Reports 
More 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Reports for Running Backs
Jeanty proved he’s the total package this past season, with an unbelievable combination of vision, patience, creativity, agility, power, balance and speed that nearly allowed him to break Barry Sanders’ single-season rushing record.
Can fit in any offensive scheme, but might be best in a scheme that runs a relatively high amount of outside zone to maximize his home-run hitting ability. After a year in which he dazzled viewers with a nonstop succession of dominant highlights, Jeanty should be a lock for the first round, potentially going in the top half of the frame. Projects as a long-term, every-down feature back who should make an immediate impact.
Projection: Round 1
Check out the full 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Ashton Jeanty
Skattebo was one of the most productive and exciting players in college football this past season. He combined a natural feel for the position, smooth running skills, a tough and physical temperament and exceptional contact balance, culminating in well over 2,000 total yards on the season.
There’s not a whole lot to critique about his game, besides his lack of ideal explosiveness and long speed. Otherwise, Skattebo has the look of a potential every-down back in the league or at least the power back in a one-two punch. Could get some second-day looks.
Projection: Round 3/Round 4
Check out the full 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Cam Skattebo
A fast, agile back with good burst and excellent open-field running skills, Neal functioned as a workhorse for the Jayhawks but might be more of a change-of-pace back at the next level, as he may struggle to grind out tough yardage between the tackles as a pro.
Neal’s snaps were relatively balanced throughout his career (more gap until this past season, then a little bit more zone), but might be better suited to a zone-blocking scheme where he’s able to stretch defenses out and cut upfield when he sees daylight. Probably more of a mid-round option.
Projection: Round 5
Check out the full 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Devin Neal
More 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Reports for Running Backs
- Dylan Sampson (Tennessee)
- DJ Giddens (Kansas State)
- Jordan James (Oregon)
- Bhayshul Tuten (Virginia Tech)
- Brashard Smith (SMU)
- Damien Martinez (Miami)
- Jarquez Hunter (Auburn)
- Kalel Mullings (Michigan)
- LeQuint Allen Jr. (Syracuse)
- Raheim Sanders (South Carolina)
- Phil Mafah (Clemson)
- Tahj Brooks (Texas Tech)
- Trevor Etienne (Georgia)
- TreVeyon Henderson (Ohio State)
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