The 2025 NFL Draft will begin on April 24, and to prepare for that, we need Vikings fans to be fully prepared in every way. Of course, we will cover players the Vikings will need, but it is important to go beyond that.
In the case of this running back report, we will cover the position here at Vikings Wire because the team needs some better talent at the position.
The Vikings have shown that their offense and what they hope to achieve rely upon the team’s consistent ground attack. The trade for Cam Akers was a nice band-aid approach, but Akers and Ty Chandler aren’t long-term answers. Aaron Jones also has been a breath of fresh air and has made a bigger impact than anyone could have hoped. Even if they bring him back, we need a backup option in place and someone who could step up and become the guy if called upon.
With that in mind, here is a running back prospect who could don a Vikings uniform next season.
Dec 21, 2024; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Southern Methodist Mustangs running back Brashard Smith (1) carries the ball during the second half against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Player: Brashard Smith
School: SMU (Formerly Miami, FL)
Year: Fourth-Year Senior
DOB (Age when drafted): April 11, 2003 (22)
Height: 5-10
Weight: 196 lbs.
Dec 7, 2024; Charlotte, NC, USA; Southern Methodist Mustangs running back Brashard Smith (1) runs against Clemson Tigers linebacker Wade Woodaz (17) during the fourth quarter in the 2024 ACC Championship game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
- 4-star prospect according to 247 Sports
- Member of the Under Armour All-American team in high school
- Recruited as a wide receiver out of high school
- Second-team All-ACC in 2023
- First-team All-ACC in 2024
Nov 30, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Southern Methodist Mustangs running back Brashard Smith (1) runs with the ball into the end zone after catching a pass for a touchdown against the California Golden Bears during the second half at Gerald J. Ford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Touches: 361
Rushing Yards: 1,509
Rushing Touchdowns: 15
Receiving Yards: 1,097
Receiving Touchdowns: 8
Fumbles: 5
Nov 30, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Southern Methodist Mustangs running back Brashard Smith (1) in action during the game between the SMU Mustangs and the California Golden Bears at Gerald J. Ford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Rushing Grade: 87
Yards Per Carry After Contact: 3.34
Rushing Attempts Over 10 Yards: 35
Yards After Catch Per Reception: 8.1
Yards Per Route Run: 1.61
Nov 23, 2024; Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; Southern Methodist Mustangs running back Brashard Smith (1) carries the ball as Virginia Cavaliers defensive end Kam Butler (82) defends during the first half at Scott Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images
- Excellent vision at the line of scrimmage
- Plays bigger than his size would lead you to believe
- Has some impressive receiving reps making catches in traffic
- Great contact balance to keep momentum on runs
- High motor to finish big runs late in games
Nov 16, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; SMU Mustangs running back Brashard Smith (1) in action during the game between the SMU Mustangs and the Boston College Eagles at Gerald J. Ford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Vision: 6.7
Cutback Ability: 7.7
Long Speed: 7.7
Contact Balance: 6
Pass Blocking: 5
Break/Avoid Tackles: 6
Durability: 6
Receiving Ability: 7.7
Quickness: 6.7
Ball Security: 6
Nov 2, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Southern Methodist Mustangs running back Brashard Smith (1) runs with the ball against the Pittsburgh Panthers during the first half at Gerald J. Ford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Brashard Smith was a great surprise that I wasn’t ready for as I was working through the running back group. Smith was recruited as a wide receiver to SMU, and you can see flashes of that in his game as a running back. He is a better route runner than most and flashes strong hands attacking the ball in the air and through traffic. As a running back, he surprises you with great vision and cutback ability, allowing him to break off big-chunk runs more often than not. I am excited to see how he tests and what his stock looks like as he proceeds through the draft process.
Player Grade: 6.4
Projected Role: Will eventually be a plus starter