By: Justin Nicely
August 12, 2018
August 12, 2018
The Redskins lost rookie running back Derrius Guice, their second round pick, for the season due to a torn ACL. It hurts the Redskins offense substantially as they believed Guice would finally fix there rushing offense woes, but they’ll have to wait another season. Guice displayed good vision and so much more burst, explosiveness, and ability to create that no other running back can provide on the roster.
While the easy fix is to say that the Redskins could rely on Chris Thompson this season again, the reality is, is that it’s not that easy. Thompson is still recovering from a fractured fibula that he suffered vs the Saints in November. Thompson himself admitted that he likely won’t be fully healthy until this coming November, but he will still play starting week one even though he is not 100% recovered from the injury. As we all know though, players are consistently taking a beating week in and week out, so it’s unlikely that Thompson will ever be 100% fully healthy at all this season.
Looking at the rest of the Redskins running back depth chart, they have Robert Kelley, Samaje Perine, Byron Marshall, Kapri Bibbs, and Martez Carter. While they were dealing with injuries, this group did finish last in the NFL in rushing yards last season. If the front office believed this group could carry the workload again, they wouldn’t have drafted Derrius Guice in the second round. Robert Kelley looked good in his rookie season and has lost some weight this offseason in attempt to improve his game. In his sophomore season, he missed some time due to injury, but the coaching staff love him and will likely try to rely on him this season instead of looking elsewhere. The 2017 fourth round pick, Samaje Perine, didn’t have the best rookie season, and he hasn't popped in training camp this offseason either. He looked decent in the first preseason game vs the Patriots, but once again he almost fumbled the ball (the fumble should have counted, but forward progress was stopped was called early by the official). He won’t get on the field in Gruden’s offense if he can’t hold onto the ball. His biggest issue though is that he goes down on first contact too often. As a bigger back on early downs, he shouldn't be taken to the ground so easily. Byron Marshall and Kapri Bibbs are two players they added in the middle of the season, and they have shown some flashes, but they shouldn’t be expected to have huge roles this season if they make the roster. While the team does have decent options on their own roster, if I were the Redskins I would at least ponder the idea of adding another running back. The quarterback they traded for earlier this offseason relies on a good run game, the Redskins face a schedule with defenses who played the run well last year, and the team ranked last in rushing yards in 2017.
Even though Jay Gruden told the media that they are not looking at other options outside of their roster for now, I wanted to take a look at what options they do have around the league. If the team did look for someone to add, it would only make sense if they added someone who could beat out Bibbs, Marshall, or Perine.The ideal situation would to be able to add a player without giving up any assets. I put the players in order of who I would consider.
While the easy fix is to say that the Redskins could rely on Chris Thompson this season again, the reality is, is that it’s not that easy. Thompson is still recovering from a fractured fibula that he suffered vs the Saints in November. Thompson himself admitted that he likely won’t be fully healthy until this coming November, but he will still play starting week one even though he is not 100% recovered from the injury. As we all know though, players are consistently taking a beating week in and week out, so it’s unlikely that Thompson will ever be 100% fully healthy at all this season.
Looking at the rest of the Redskins running back depth chart, they have Robert Kelley, Samaje Perine, Byron Marshall, Kapri Bibbs, and Martez Carter. While they were dealing with injuries, this group did finish last in the NFL in rushing yards last season. If the front office believed this group could carry the workload again, they wouldn’t have drafted Derrius Guice in the second round. Robert Kelley looked good in his rookie season and has lost some weight this offseason in attempt to improve his game. In his sophomore season, he missed some time due to injury, but the coaching staff love him and will likely try to rely on him this season instead of looking elsewhere. The 2017 fourth round pick, Samaje Perine, didn’t have the best rookie season, and he hasn't popped in training camp this offseason either. He looked decent in the first preseason game vs the Patriots, but once again he almost fumbled the ball (the fumble should have counted, but forward progress was stopped was called early by the official). He won’t get on the field in Gruden’s offense if he can’t hold onto the ball. His biggest issue though is that he goes down on first contact too often. As a bigger back on early downs, he shouldn't be taken to the ground so easily. Byron Marshall and Kapri Bibbs are two players they added in the middle of the season, and they have shown some flashes, but they shouldn’t be expected to have huge roles this season if they make the roster. While the team does have decent options on their own roster, if I were the Redskins I would at least ponder the idea of adding another running back. The quarterback they traded for earlier this offseason relies on a good run game, the Redskins face a schedule with defenses who played the run well last year, and the team ranked last in rushing yards in 2017.
Even though Jay Gruden told the media that they are not looking at other options outside of their roster for now, I wanted to take a look at what options they do have around the league. If the team did look for someone to add, it would only make sense if they added someone who could beat out Bibbs, Marshall, or Perine.The ideal situation would to be able to add a player without giving up any assets. I put the players in order of who I would consider.
DeMarco Murray - Free Agent/Retired
Even though DeMarco Murray retired this offseason, we’ve seen teams over the years talk players out of retirement. The Redskins might want to consider reaching out to the former Cowboy, Eagle and Titan about coming out of retirement. DeMarco Murray would be an instant upgrade and has plenty left in the tank. He is a threat as a runner and a receiver. As he split time with Derrick Henry last year, he didn’t have his best year as a pro, but I think he’d be the best option for the Redskins with Derrius Guice out for the year. If the Redskins can talk him back into playing, they’d be able to get him without giving up any draft picks and could get him on a one year deal, which would be the best case scenario with Guice returning in 2019. It’s late in the process to be adding a starting running back, but I believe Murray would enjoy playing against his former teams twice this year.
Even though DeMarco Murray retired this offseason, we’ve seen teams over the years talk players out of retirement. The Redskins might want to consider reaching out to the former Cowboy, Eagle and Titan about coming out of retirement. DeMarco Murray would be an instant upgrade and has plenty left in the tank. He is a threat as a runner and a receiver. As he split time with Derrick Henry last year, he didn’t have his best year as a pro, but I think he’d be the best option for the Redskins with Derrius Guice out for the year. If the Redskins can talk him back into playing, they’d be able to get him without giving up any draft picks and could get him on a one year deal, which would be the best case scenario with Guice returning in 2019. It’s late in the process to be adding a starting running back, but I believe Murray would enjoy playing against his former teams twice this year.
Orleans Darkwa - Free Agent
I am surprised to see Orleans Darkwa is still a free agent. He had a break out year as the Giants leading rusher in 2017 when he ran for 751 yards and 5 touchdowns on 171 carries (4.4 yards per carry) behind that awful offensive line. He hasn’t had much work as a receiver, but he has shown he can do it. He likely wouldn't be the starter, but he'd be a good one-two punch with Robert Kelley. I think he'd make a solid addition to the roster.
I am surprised to see Orleans Darkwa is still a free agent. He had a break out year as the Giants leading rusher in 2017 when he ran for 751 yards and 5 touchdowns on 171 carries (4.4 yards per carry) behind that awful offensive line. He hasn’t had much work as a receiver, but he has shown he can do it. He likely wouldn't be the starter, but he'd be a good one-two punch with Robert Kelley. I think he'd make a solid addition to the roster.
Ameer Abdullah, DET - Trade/Free Agent?
The Lions are a team who have a deep backfield. The team signed LeGarrette Blount and drafted Kerryon Johnson in the offseason. Zach Zenner had a decent role last year, while the third-down back, Theo Riddick, and Ameer Abdullah remain in the mix. As a former second round pick, Abdullah has not lived up to expectations with the Lions. It wasn’t a great fit to begin with, and the Lions offensive line has been underwhelming the past three years. Abdullah has really only played two season in the NFL as he missed most of 2016 with a badly sprained foot/ankle that required surgery. On the 18 carries he did have though, he looked like he was going to break out in 2016. In the two years that he did play, he averaged 4.2 and 3.3 yards per carry with less than 200 carries each year. If the Lions can't find a trade partner, they might let him go during final cuts.
The Lions are a team who have a deep backfield. The team signed LeGarrette Blount and drafted Kerryon Johnson in the offseason. Zach Zenner had a decent role last year, while the third-down back, Theo Riddick, and Ameer Abdullah remain in the mix. As a former second round pick, Abdullah has not lived up to expectations with the Lions. It wasn’t a great fit to begin with, and the Lions offensive line has been underwhelming the past three years. Abdullah has really only played two season in the NFL as he missed most of 2016 with a badly sprained foot/ankle that required surgery. On the 18 carries he did have though, he looked like he was going to break out in 2016. In the two years that he did play, he averaged 4.2 and 3.3 yards per carry with less than 200 carries each year. If the Lions can't find a trade partner, they might let him go during final cuts.
Spencer Ware, KC - Trade
The Chiefs have a loaded backfield with Kareem Hunt, Spencer Ware, Damien Williams, Charcandrick West, and rookie Darrel Williams. Spencer Ware would be the ideal choice out of the two, however, he is recovering from a torn PCL and LCL which is concerning. In 2016, he showed he can be a starting running back in the NFL by rushing for 921 yards and 3 touchdowns on 214 carries and recording 447 yards and 2 touchdowns on 33 receptions.
The Chiefs have a loaded backfield with Kareem Hunt, Spencer Ware, Damien Williams, Charcandrick West, and rookie Darrel Williams. Spencer Ware would be the ideal choice out of the two, however, he is recovering from a torn PCL and LCL which is concerning. In 2016, he showed he can be a starting running back in the NFL by rushing for 921 yards and 3 touchdowns on 214 carries and recording 447 yards and 2 touchdowns on 33 receptions.
Giovani Bernard, CIN - Trade
Giovani Bernard is probably the most intriguing option on this list. Bernard was drafted to the Bengals in Jay Gruden’s last season as the team's offensive coordinator, and it was arguably Bernard’s best year as a pro. However, unlike many others on this list, he has been able to put up consistent numbers. Two-back sets with Bernard and Thompson would be fun to watch, and having Bernard would help relieve the pressure off of Thompson to rush back from his fractured fibula as he could take a bulk of that role early on. The former Tar-Heel would be a contributor on the ground and as a receiver. Although he is in the second-to-last year of his contract and the team just drafted Mark Walton, it would likely take a bit more for the Redskins to trade for him because the Bengals have a lot of trust in him. The only reason he is this far down the list is because of the assets they'd likely have to give up for him.
Giovani Bernard is probably the most intriguing option on this list. Bernard was drafted to the Bengals in Jay Gruden’s last season as the team's offensive coordinator, and it was arguably Bernard’s best year as a pro. However, unlike many others on this list, he has been able to put up consistent numbers. Two-back sets with Bernard and Thompson would be fun to watch, and having Bernard would help relieve the pressure off of Thompson to rush back from his fractured fibula as he could take a bulk of that role early on. The former Tar-Heel would be a contributor on the ground and as a receiver. Although he is in the second-to-last year of his contract and the team just drafted Mark Walton, it would likely take a bit more for the Redskins to trade for him because the Bengals have a lot of trust in him. The only reason he is this far down the list is because of the assets they'd likely have to give up for him.
Eddie Lacy - Free Agent
It’s crazy to think Eddie Lacy, who is only 28 years old, is almost out of the league already. In his first two seasons, he ran for 1178 yards and 1139 yards with a total of 24 touchdowns. He hasn’t ran for more than 400 yards and hasn’t scored a touchdown since 2015 though. Up until 2017, he hasn’t head less than 4.1 yards per carry in his career. If he can keep his weight in check, he might be an underrated option for the Redskins, and I think not so “Fat” Rob could help Lacy with that. Eddie Lacy attended the University of Alabama, so that might help—I’m only joking.
It’s crazy to think Eddie Lacy, who is only 28 years old, is almost out of the league already. In his first two seasons, he ran for 1178 yards and 1139 yards with a total of 24 touchdowns. He hasn’t ran for more than 400 yards and hasn’t scored a touchdown since 2015 though. Up until 2017, he hasn’t head less than 4.1 yards per carry in his career. If he can keep his weight in check, he might be an underrated option for the Redskins, and I think not so “Fat” Rob could help Lacy with that. Eddie Lacy attended the University of Alabama, so that might help—I’m only joking.
Jamaal Charles - Free Agent
Another player who’s better playing days are likely behind him, however, I think he was under utilized in Denver last year. He only ran the ball 69 times, but still managed to get 296 yards (4.3 yards per attempt) and a touchdown. He has also been a consistent threat as a receiver throughout his career. He has familiarity with Alex Smith and I think he’d be a good option if the Redskins wanted to add a veteran to their running backs room.
Another player who’s better playing days are likely behind him, however, I think he was under utilized in Denver last year. He only ran the ball 69 times, but still managed to get 296 yards (4.3 yards per attempt) and a touchdown. He has also been a consistent threat as a receiver throughout his career. He has familiarity with Alex Smith and I think he’d be a good option if the Redskins wanted to add a veteran to their running backs room.
Jeremy Hill, NE - Trade/Free Agent?
The Patriots have a crowded backfield, and Hill is far from a lock to make the roster. James White, Rex Burkhead, Brandon Bolden, and Sony Michel are likely all four locks to make the roster. The former LSU Tiger had over a thousand rushing yards in his rookie season, but has yet to reach over 900 rushing yards since then. He is a scoring machine though as he has 29 career rushing touchdowns (all scored within his first three years). Hill has also shown he can make some plays as a receiver if called upon.
The Patriots have a crowded backfield, and Hill is far from a lock to make the roster. James White, Rex Burkhead, Brandon Bolden, and Sony Michel are likely all four locks to make the roster. The former LSU Tiger had over a thousand rushing yards in his rookie season, but has yet to reach over 900 rushing yards since then. He is a scoring machine though as he has 29 career rushing touchdowns (all scored within his first three years). Hill has also shown he can make some plays as a receiver if called upon.
Charcandrick West, KC - Trade/Free Agent?
Charcandick West hasn’t had as big of a workload as Ware, but he has had his moments that have shown he can be a be a productive player when given the chance.
Charcandick West hasn’t had as big of a workload as Ware, but he has had his moments that have shown he can be a be a productive player when given the chance.
Adrian Peterson - Free Agent
Peterson is one of the best running backs of all time, but he’s on the back end of his career. That’s why he still a free agent. It will also cost a bit more to sign him. Last year he ran for 529 yards and two touchdowns on 156 carries. He’s never been much of a receiving threat though, and he’s a better fit for an offense that uses a fullback.
Peterson is one of the best running backs of all time, but he’s on the back end of his career. That’s why he still a free agent. It will also cost a bit more to sign him. Last year he ran for 529 yards and two touchdowns on 156 carries. He’s never been much of a receiving threat though, and he’s a better fit for an offense that uses a fullback.
Alfred Morris - Free Agent
Morris is definitely going to be the player Redskins fans beg the team to sign, but it’s unlikely. He doesn’t fit Jay Gruden’s offense that well and it wouldn’t make much sense in my opinion. He is better fit in a zone scheme instead of a power scheme. Since leaving the Redskins after 2015, he didn’t find much success with the Cowboys as they stuffed him in the back of the depth chart. In 2017 though, we did see him play well during Ezekiel Elliot’s suspension, and I think he deserves to be on a team.
Morris is definitely going to be the player Redskins fans beg the team to sign, but it’s unlikely. He doesn’t fit Jay Gruden’s offense that well and it wouldn’t make much sense in my opinion. He is better fit in a zone scheme instead of a power scheme. Since leaving the Redskins after 2015, he didn’t find much success with the Cowboys as they stuffed him in the back of the depth chart. In 2017 though, we did see him play well during Ezekiel Elliot’s suspension, and I think he deserves to be on a team.
Thomas Rawls, NYJ - Trade
The Jets are another team with a decently crowded backfield. In front of Rawls on the depth chart is Isaiah Crowell and Bilal Powell. However, if the Redskins wanted to pry away Rawls, they would have to look for a way to trade for him. With little depth behind Rawls, the Jets front office would have to be comfortable with what they’d receive in return. In his first year with the Seahawks, Rawls ran for 830 yards and four touchdowns on 147 carries. Since running for 5.6 yards per carry in his rookie season, he hasn’t been able to improve upon that. He has little work in the passing game, so I doubt Rawls would be a legit option.
The Jets are another team with a decently crowded backfield. In front of Rawls on the depth chart is Isaiah Crowell and Bilal Powell. However, if the Redskins wanted to pry away Rawls, they would have to look for a way to trade for him. With little depth behind Rawls, the Jets front office would have to be comfortable with what they’d receive in return. In his first year with the Seahawks, Rawls ran for 830 yards and four touchdowns on 147 carries. Since running for 5.6 yards per carry in his rookie season, he hasn’t been able to improve upon that. He has little work in the passing game, so I doubt Rawls would be a legit option.
Who would you target if you had the option?
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