Who Should I Start? Keaton Mitchell or Brashard Smith

Tuesday, June 3, 2:37 PM

Baltimore Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell suffered a significant ACL tear at the end of his 2023 rookie campaign and was limited to just five games in 2024, logging touches in two contests. In his first season, the East Carolina product averaged a whopping 8.4 yards per carry on 47 rushing attempts, totalling 396 yards and two touchdowns. Had he not suffered a major injury, he could have entered last season as the clear RB2 behind Derrick Henry, but he'll get that chance again entering the 2025 campaign, and the 23-year-old is back to 100%. "I feel like I'm back better than when I first got here," Mitchell said. "I tell guys a lot that talk to me that I'm starting all over. They don't even know what I can do. I'm just starting all over again, proving what I can do and taking it day by day." While Henry remains the clear workhorse in Baltimore, he is entering his age-31 season and carries additional injury risk. In deeper setups, Mitchell and Justice Hill can be considered handcuff stashes, though Rasheen Ali will also have the chance to compete for a spot on the depth chart.

Tuesday, May 6, 7:13 PM

The Kansas City Chiefs have signed rookie seventh-round running back Brashard Smith to a four-year, $4.33 million deal. Kansas City selected the 22-year-old with its final pick in April's draft, No. 228 overall. Smith spent the first three campaigns of his collegiate career as a Hurricane in Miami, and started just ten games, but was a do-it-all player contributing in the rushing, receiving, and return game. His move to SMU during his final season proved to be an excellent decision as he rushed for 1,332 yards and 14 touchdowns across 235 carries (5.7 YPC). The first year back has speed for days (4.39 40-yard dash) and stands out in that regard amongst other Kansas City rushers. While there's a steep climb to the top in terms of playing time, it wouldn't be surprising to see the former Mustang push for snaps. He's an intriguing late-round selection in dynasty rookie drafts for the time being.