Roster Breakdown: Running Backs We’ll head into the start of training camp with a position-by-position breakdown of the Redskins’ roster. Up next: a look at what to expect from the running backs this season. With training camp set to start on Thursday, here’s a look at the Redskins’ running backs, along with an outline of what can be expected from the players on the units. Click here for previous positional breakdowns. Position: Running Backs Morris Projected Starters: RB Alfred Morris, FB Darrel Young Returning: RB Evan Royster, RB Roy Helu, RB Keiland Williams, RB Tristan Davis, FB Eric Kettani Players Added: RB Chris Thompson (fifth round – Florida State), RB Jawan Jamison (seventh round – Rutgers) Players Lost: FB Dorson Boyce (released) The Good: Not enough can be said about Morris’ performance last season as a rookie. An unheralded sixth-round draft pick out of Florida Atlantic, Morris set a team record with 1,613 rushing yards and also ran for 13 touchdowns, both of which ranked second in the league. He’s a powerful downhill runner who adjusted well to the requirements of the zone-blocking scheme despite having never done so in college. It’s unrealistic to expect similar numbers from Morris this year, but then again, there’s no reason to believe it isn’t possible. The Bad: Royster was pegged as the third-down back last year, especially given Morris’ struggles in pass protection. But Royster didn’t really fit in that role because he, too, struggled to pick up blitzes and he doesn’t have breakaway speed. He had only 23 carries while working as a backup, and his role going forward is uncertain: Helu will be back from injury and the team drafted two other running backs. Where does he fit? Worth Watching: Helu is back after missing all but three games last season because of a variety of leg injuries, and he seems to be the early favorite to assume third-down duties because of his familiarity running the option and his ability to catch passes out of the backfield. His maturation will go a long way in assuming that role, though, as he seemed overwhelmed at times as the Redskins’ primary running back late in the 2011 season. He’s probably the team’s most athletic running back – at least, Thompson hasn’t stepped on the practice field yet – and he takes significant pride in his open-field running (consider his touchdown run against Seattle two years ago, in which he leapt over cornerback Roy Lewis). His durability is his biggest question, as he’s seemingly battled inflammation in his toes and Achilles’ tendons since being drafted, but he was fully cleared to resume practicing with the team during the final week of offseason workouts. … While Thompson is supposed to be cleared to return from a torn left ACL for the start of training camp, he’s got a long way to go to prove he’ll be ready for the start of the season. For one, his lack of practice time will be prohibitive early. Then, there will be concerns about any potential inflammation in the knee. His quickness is his strength, and he’d seemingly be a good fit in the option, but what else can he do? His size – he’s 5-foot-8 and 187-pounds – is almost a liability in protection. He’ll have a shot at edging Royster as the third running back. … It’s remarkable to think that just three years ago, Young was an undrafted linebacker looking for a place to play. He’s firmly entrenched as the fullback and was on the field for, on average, 20 offensive plays a game last season. He’s also a capable receiver, especially on short flares and wheel routes, and is a valued locker room presence. Kettani should stick on the practice squad as his backup. … Williams played on the punt return team and the field goal block unit after being reacquired early last season following Helu’s injury. It’ll be hard for him to find a spot on the team given that he didn’t play a snap on offense last year. … Davis will have to prove he’s an exceptional kickoff returner if he has any chance of sticking. He’s coming off a torn ACL in his right knee, and after spending the year on injured reserve, he’s ineligible for the practice squad. … Jamison left Rutgers after just two seasons, plus a redshirt year. His pass protection is his best attribute, and he’s also a capable receiver out of the backfield. He seems to be the most likely of all running backs to land on the practice squad.
Posted on: Thu, 25 Jul 2013 00:15:59 +0000
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