This Kadarius Toney comparison isn't what you think it is.
Typically, a mention of Toney goes over like a lead balloon for Chiefs Kingdom. The former Kansas City wide receiver cost the team a couple of draft assets, and while his record-setting punt return in Super Bowl 57 will always be appreciated, the investment was largely a bust. Injuries and mental miscues were part and parcel with the Kadarius experience.
So it's important to know that's not what Chiefs exec Ryne Nutt, Director of Player Personnel/College Scouting, had in mind when he recently compared rookie running back Brashard Smith to Toney following the 2025 NFL Draft.
The Chiefs traded two of the last seven picks in this year's draft to move up 20-ish spots to No. 228 overall for the chance to draft Smith, a dynamic pass-catching back out of SMU.
This Kadarius Toney comparison is actually a very good thing for the Chiefs offense.
Following the draft, Nutt answered questions from Chiefs' reporters and showcased an excitement for Smith's potential. In doing so, he used Toney as a reference (and that's a good thing in this case). Nutt even acknowledged that using Toney as a comp could be problematic for some fans to look past:
"What he can offer on the field is—and I know Kadarius [Toney] gets kind of beat up sometimes—but when Kadarius had the ball in his hands, his RAC and the things he could do with it in terms of his balance and strength and his feet and his feel, [Smith] has similar ability to that," said Nutt.
"When he has the ball in his hands, whether it's as a runner or catching the ball, he can do some silly things in terms of what he can set up. So we're really excited."
While the Chiefs ultimately did not get what they were hoping for out of Toney, the dynamism was unmistakable. Other than Tyreek Hill, Toney was the most electric player with the ball on his hand in a Chiefs offense since Jamaal Charles was in the backfield. Unfortunately, Toney could never put it all together and his talent largely went to waste.
Nutt emphasized some important points to keep in mind regarding Smith—namely that's he's a seventh-round choice, which should make the disclaimers obvious.
"Now [Smith] has to come in and pick everything up, and there has to be a comfort level that he knows what he's doing, but talent-wise, there should be no reason this kid shouldn't help us at some point in the season," said Nutt. "And our coaches are going to be very willing and able to work with him to get him into roles that can help us."
Smith had 225 carries for 1,332 yards and 14 touchdowns a year ago for SMU, which equates to a 5.7 yards/carry average. He added another 39 catches for 327 yards and 4 touchdowns in the passing game.
