The Kansas City Chiefs are off to a 2-2 start, which is encouraging after they lost the first two games of the season. 

One concerning trend is that quarterback Patrick Mahomes leads the team in rushing yards and rushing scores, which is not ideal over the course of a 17-game season. 

Both Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco have not gotten off to a promising start, which could suggest a possible trade for another RB sometime down the road. 

However, rookie Brashard Smith has been better than expected in the early goings. 

Smith was a seventh-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft after playing at SMU, but he made the 53-man roster and is already seeing some increased usage. Smith played three years with the Miami Hurricanes before staying in the ACC and going to SMU. 

In his lone season with the Mustangs, he finally showcased his skills with 1,332 yards and 14 touchdowns on 235 carries while helping SMU make the College Football Playoff. 

In Week 4 of his rookie campaign, Smith had four carries for nine yards, but he did catch three passes for 27 yards on four targets. He also has returned seven kickoffs this season, so he has been used in a number of roles. 

Patrick Mahomes spoke highly of the Chiefs' rookie running back on Thursday, via KC Sports Network. 

"He's done a great job...It helps that he played receiver a lot, so he can run routes; he also played running back, so he can run between the tackles, and those are special football players to have," Mahomes said. "It keeps the defenses guessing and that's what you want to do."

Head coach Andy Reid also had some compliments for Smith. 

 "Being able to handle it is half the battle, From a mental standpoint, he's picked it up well. He's in a good room," Reid said. "He's willing to listen, very humble kid, and works hard."

The snaps going up is a positive development for Smith and the Chiefs, especially with Hunt and Pacheco getting off to a sluggish start. 

Here is a breakdown of every touch Smith had in Week 4 in the 37-20 win over the Baltimore Ravens. 

Whether or not that trend continues in Week 5 against the Jacksonville Jaguars remains to be seen, but earning praise from Mahomes and Reid shows that he is doing what it takes to be successful at the NFL level.