Who Should I Start? Brashard Smith or Montrell Johnson Jr.

Wednesday, July 2, 6:32 PM

ESPN's Adam Teicher writes that judging from how rookie seventh-round running back Brashard Smith was used in offseason practices, the Kansas City Chiefs have plans for him. The 22-year-old ran a 4.39-second 40-yard dash at the scouting combine and could fit in nicely with other offensive skill players on the team, including receivers Xavier Worthy and Marquise Brown and running back Elijah Mitchell. Smith was a receiver in college before moving to a RB at SMU in his final season, and the Chiefs got him the ball out of the backfield, from the slot and split out wide during spring workouts. Head coach Andy Reid knows a little something about finding ways to use speedy offensive weapons, so fantasy managers shouldn't complete turn away from Smith, even though it will be hard for him to secure a big role in his first year in the NFL.

Wednesday, May 7, 7:58 PM

The Philadelphia Eagles have signed undrafted free agent running back Montrell Johnson Jr. to an undisclosed contract. Dylan Olive of Sports Illustrated reported the news. The former Florida Gator spent three seasons with the team in college after a rookie-year stint with the University of Louisiana. Johnson Jr. was better during his first three collegiate campaigns, rushing for at least 817 yards in each while lauding double-digit TD totals in two of them. However, his production ticked down in 2024 while operating as the lesser half of a timeshare with former teammate Jadan Baugh. The New Orleans native has good size and speed as a runner, but also a bevy of competent rushers ahead of him on the Eagles' depth chart.