Who Should I Start? Keaton Mitchell or Brashard Smith

Sunday, July 27, 9:52 AM

According to Sarah Ellison, Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator told reporters Keaton Mitchell is fighting to get touches in the backfield right now. It's the simple fact that the Ravens don't really need a third string back at the moment. Derrick Henry is the workhorse back and Justice Hill has proven to be a versatile option in the backfield. That being said, Mitchell and Rasheen Ali probably won't see much action to begin the season. Mitchell was limited to eight games during his rookie season due to an ACL tear. He only played in five contests last season and doesn't have a path to consistent playing time in Baltimore right now.

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.