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Broncos Meet With Dual-Threat SMU Running Back

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matthew Sullivan | Last updated Mar 3, 2025 2:00 PM ET

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton has said that he's looking for a "Joker" for the offense. Whether it was at tight end, wide receiver, or running back, Payton wants to find a playmaker for the offense.

With Courtland Sutton and Bo Nix leading the offense, there is a need for more talent. Marvin Mims flashed in 2024, but there is a clear need at running back and tight end.

At the NFL Scouting Combine, the Broncos have been meeting with a lot of different running backs. SMU running back Brashard Smith is one of those running backs to meet with Denver, and he would be a great fit for the "joker" role.

Smith said that the meeting with the Broncos was "Pretty good" and that the meeting consisted of discussing how the Broncos would use Smith. When asked about being involved in the passing game, he said that "I can move out to receiver," and that the Broncos "Pride that a lot."

SMU RB Brashard Smith said that in his interview with the Broncos, they went over "what they see in me and how they can use me in their offense," which is "making plays, just coming out of the backfield ... I feel like they pride that a lot."

Sounds much like a "joker" role. pic.twitter.com/4ZURFJb4Rr
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) February 28, 2025

Smith's pass-catching ability is one to focus on. He is a wide receiver who turned into a running back in college. His ability to be a good runner and a dynamic weapon in the receiving game makes him the perfect fit to be Payton's joker.

With a stacked running back class, Denver would be able to snag Smith down the board. Between his playmaking ability and his receiver skillset, Smith is exactly the type of player the Broncos are looking for to be their joker.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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