One Rookie RB Keeps Popping Up for Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings have four running backs on the spring depth chart before the draft: Aaron Jones, Jordan Mason, Ty Chandler, and Zavier Scott.
One Rookie RB Keeps Popping Up for Vikings
But because the 2025 draft class is utterly loaded with RB talent, it might be a crime to exit the event without one. Accordingly, one running back’s name keeps popping up for Minnesota: SMU’s Brashard Smith.
Top 30 Vikings for Brashard Smith, Vikings
Cowboys reporter Joseph Hoyt tweeted last month, “SMU RB Brashard Smith says he has 30 visits scheduled with the Vikings, Bears and Houston Texans. He also plans to visit with the Dallas Cowboys. He’s eligible for Dallas Day.”
That was the first indication that Minnesota could be snooping around Smith’s draft profile, and two weeks later, the team used a Top 30 visit on the young runner.
Often, Minnesota’s Top 30 visits turn into players who eventually join the franchise via the draft or undrafted free agency. Therefore, Smith’s current connection to the Vikings is notable.
Brashard Smith Scouting Report
Smith is 5’10” and 195 pounds and known for his speed, acceleration, and special teams versatility. He can slice and dice defenders in open space, along with one rather important Vikings-mandatory trait — the man can block via pass protection. That feels like a prerequisite for this brand of Vikings.
Weaknesses? Smith is not huge, nor a bowling-ball back, and only played one full season (2024) as a running back at SMU, where he tabulated 1,659 yards from scrimmage and 18 touchdowns.
NFL Draft Buzz explains Smith’s profile: “The burst, acceleration, and natural pass-catching traits show Day 2 potential in a spread-based attack. Inside zone and duo concepts maximize his one-cut ability, while his receiver background creates legitimate flex matchups from empty sets. His kick return prowess adds legitimate four-down value during early career development.”
“Best schematic fit comes in a timing-based offense featuring angle routes, swing passes, and designed space plays. Gap-scheme runs allowing him to hit the hole at full speed cover for current vision limitations between the tackles.”
Minnesota could be in the market for an RB3 this offseason, and Smith checks several boxes.
“Third-down and sub-package usage provides immediate impact potential while developing traditional running back skills. Core special teams role supplements offensive snaps early, with upside to expand carries pending growth in pass protection and interior run development. Ceiling depends heavily on landing spot – teams must have clear plan to feature his space skills while building complementary power elements,” NDB added.
Where in the Draft?
According to the early April Consensus Big Board, Smith can likely be obtained from Round 5 or so of the draft. He ranks 167th on the CBB.
The placement would be ideal for Minnesota, a franchise with a 5th- and 6th-Round pick in the holster, which is noteworthy because general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah traded most of his 2025 draft picks for EDGE rusher Dallas Turner in 2024.
Long story short — Smith is gettable in the draft for Adofo-Mensah because of the late-round stock.
Underrated Label from ESPN
ESPN’s Jordan Reid, who grew up as a Vikings fan, plopped Smith is underrated batch of rookies this week. Reid tweeted:
Love sharing this list every year.
My all-underrated prospects list.
Offense:
- QB: Kyle McCord, Syracuse
- RB: Brashard Smith, SMU
- WR: Jalen Royals, Utah St
- TE Mitchell Evans, Notre Dame
- OT: Jalen Travis, Iowa State
- G: Miles Frazier, LSU
- C: Jake Majors, Texas
Why Not an RB from Early Rounds?
In the middle of March, Minnesota fired off a trade with the San Francisco 49ers for running back Jordan Mason, a productive commodity last season when Christian McCaffrey fell injured. In fact, the 49ers played against the Vikings and lost last September, but Mason impressed Minnesota’s coaching staff.
So, they traded for him six months later. Most interpreted the trade — a low-risk swap for a 6th-Round pick — as evidence that Adofo-Mensah won’t draft a running back in Rounds 1 or 2. And he doesn’t even have a 2nd-Rounder, but many fans expect him to trade back on April 24th from the No. 24 spot.
In that vein, Smith would be the rookie running back compromise.
Vikings’ Commitment to Run the Ball
Head coach Kevin O’Connell told the masses last week point-blank that his team would run the football more in 2025 and beyond.
He actually said it in non-interpretive terms: “We’ve thrown the ball at a pretty high clip, like a world class effective clip for three years, with Kirk Cousins and Sam Darnold last year. Now, I want to run the football.”
So, if you’re wondering why Minnesota would draft a rookie tailback in addition to Jones and Mason on the roster, well, O’Connell’s priorities have changed.
Smith will turn 22 later this week.
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