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Positional versatility has become a prized commodity in the NFL, perhaps today more than ever. Need proof? There's a top draft prospect this year who's so good at both wide receiver and cornerback that outlets are having to specify which they're rating him as... even though the team that selects him knows they're getting a possible two-for-one player.
The Cowboys have certainly gotten in on the trend. Whether it's return man KaVontae Turpin running routes as a legitimate wide receiver or safety Markquese Bell taking on linebacker duties during the injury-plagued 2023 season, the team has several players who can do double-duty.
Sometimes that flexibility comes when a player switches positions and brings his former skillset to a new slot on the field. Look at Trevon Diggs, whose past life as a wide receiver at Alabama clearly influences the way he plays coverage as a corner.
That's the kind of diverse background running back Brashard Smith brings. He spent his first three college seasons as a pass catcher at Miami and then followed his head coach to SMU, transitioning to the backfield full-time once he joined the Mustangs. And all he did in that first year at RB was rip off over 1,300 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns on the ground... while still adding career highs in receptions and receiving touchdowns.
Though undersized, Smith is an explosive all-purpose yards monster who is still learning the running back position. Maybe that makes him an intriguing long-term project with upside in Dallas alongside Miles Sanders and Javonte Williams if the team elects to use their earlier picks to address other positions. A Dallas Day visitor, Smith is projected to come off the board in the fourth or fifth round of this year's draft.
Here's a look at Smith's measurables, highlights, and scouting reports.
Scouting Overview - NFL.com
Weaknesses - NFL Draft Buzz
Film Breakdown
For a look at all of the running backs Dallas is paying close attention to, check out the gallery below.
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This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Cowboys could be eyeing local RB Brashard Smith for versatility
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The Cowboys have certainly gotten in on the trend. Whether it's return man KaVontae Turpin running routes as a legitimate wide receiver or safety Markquese Bell taking on linebacker duties during the injury-plagued 2023 season, the team has several players who can do double-duty.
Sometimes that flexibility comes when a player switches positions and brings his former skillset to a new slot on the field. Look at Trevon Diggs, whose past life as a wide receiver at Alabama clearly influences the way he plays coverage as a corner.
That's the kind of diverse background running back Brashard Smith brings. He spent his first three college seasons as a pass catcher at Miami and then followed his head coach to SMU, transitioning to the backfield full-time once he joined the Mustangs. And all he did in that first year at RB was rip off over 1,300 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns on the ground... while still adding career highs in receptions and receiving touchdowns.
Though undersized, Smith is an explosive all-purpose yards monster who is still learning the running back position. Maybe that makes him an intriguing long-term project with upside in Dallas alongside Miles Sanders and Javonte Williams if the team elects to use their earlier picks to address other positions. A Dallas Day visitor, Smith is projected to come off the board in the fourth or fifth round of this year's draft.
Here's a look at Smith's measurables, highlights, and scouting reports.
Brashard Smith Measurables
Brashard Smith Highlights
Brashard Smith Scouting Report Compilation
Scouting Overview - NFL.com
- Natural feel for manipulating space and yard creation
- Ranked top five among FBS running backs in 2024 with 19 plays of 20 yards or more
- Light-footed in moves, both linearly and laterally
- Accelerates in a blink to quickly eat up grass and outleverage pursuit
- Does great job keeping his feet underneath him to establish balance at contact
- Not a powerful ball carrier but runs with purpose and fight to spin out of tackles
- Former wide receiver and will make an impact beyond screen game (great feel for scramble drill)
- Tracks ball well with quick hands/eyes to pull in throws away from frame
- Brings value as kickoff return man (24.4 yards per attempt over college career, including 98-yard touchdown)
- His 18 total touchdowns in 2024 ranked top 12 in FBS
- Durable and didn’t appear to wear down late in games or season (Mario Cristobal: “He’s like a piece of iron. He can go forever.”)
- One of only eight FBS players to average more than than 140 all-purpose yards per game in 2024 (141.2)
Weaknesses - NFL Draft Buzz
- Undersized frame raises concerns about durability and ability to handle consistent between-the-tackles workload at NFL level
- Limited experience as a traditional running back, still developing proper footwork and timing in interior run game
- Pass protection technique needs significant refinement, often relies on athleticism rather than proper blocking fundamentals
- Ball security mechanics require improvement, tendency to carry ball loose when trying to make explosive plays in space
- Interior vision still developing, occasionally misses cutback opportunities when running between the tackles
Film Breakdown
For a look at all of the running backs Dallas is paying close attention to, check out the gallery below.
Follow Cowboys Wire on Facebook to join in on the conversation with fellow fans!
This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Cowboys could be eyeing local RB Brashard Smith for versatility
Continue reading...
