Who Should I Start? Brashard Smith or Tahj Brooks

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.

Friday, July 25, 1:52 PM

Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor and offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher said throughout the spring how impressed they were with rookie running back Tahj Brooks' pass-catching abilities out of the backfield. Reporter Jaron May writes that Brooks had three catches -- two checkdowns and one designed route -- in the first set of 11-on-11 drills at training camp practice on Friday. The 23-year-old sixth-round selection wasn't a very prolific pass-catcher in his college days at Texas Tech, but he could be used more as a receiver at the next level as he competes for a depth role going into his first NFL season. Chase Brown is the team's unquestioned lead back, but Brooks will compete with Zack Moss (neck) and Samaje Perine for a change-of-pace role. For now, he's more of a dynasty stash.