The Hog Sty’s 2019 Redskins Draft Preview: Running Backs

The Redskins head into the NFL Draft with a drastic need for a boost in offensive firepower, in the worst way. However, the saving grace for the Redskins was the future hall of fame running back Adrian Peterson. Peterson, who ran for 1,000 yards for the first time since 2015, made a terrible offense less painful to watch. Second-year running back Derrius Guice is coming off an ACL injury and is unproven; however, he is seen as the future starting running back. Chris Thompson and Byron Marshall have their spot roles in the offense as pass-catching and third-down duties. The issue here with the running back position is not skill; each player is capable of producing well enough to make up a solid backfield. The issue with the running back position is injury history and age – Samaje Perine is only 23 years old but has fallen out of favor with the coaching staff, Robert Kelley (RFA) has not been re-signed to this point, and Chris Thompson is often injured and will be a 29-year old unrestricted free agent by seasons end. That is where the draft will come in for the position, here are some running back prospects in this year’s upcoming draft.

Bryce Love (22-years old): Stanford University, 5’9, 196 lbs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Data courtesy CFB at Sports-Reference.com.

Bryce Love played out all four years as a Cardinal, accumulating nearly 4,500 all-purpose yards and 32 total touchdowns. Love suffered an ACL tear in the final regular season game for Stanford, but may be ready by training camp this year.

What he brings to the table is a high level of elusiveness and acceleration. For Love, he will need a solid offensive line or blocking scheme to help him overcome his vision limitations; however, Love is a monster in open space. Love is tough to tackle in open space, but he also possesses the speed to beat even the best pursuit angles. The zone blocking scheme may work best for Love, which the Redskins incorporates at times in a game, as it helps him to see to the second level of defense more regularly.

Unfortunately for Love, even though the injury hurt his draft status, he may also have stayed in college one year too long. It is not all bad for Love, he is a competent pro running back, but he became vulnerable to further film analysis and what he struggles in. Love struggles with his vision at times, navigating at the line of scrimmage has cause problems. Size also comes into question as he has not shown the strength to win consistently in short-yardage situations. He is also lacking as a pass-catcher and protector, which hurts his chances of coming into the NFL right away as a third-down running back, that will take time. Love also has durability concerns, now coming off an ACL injury, he has not been healthy in his last two seasons, one will question his ability to carry the load.

Overall, Love is someone the Redskins will have to take a chance on in the late rounds, if not UDFA. His development as a pro will take time, in addition to his rehab from injury. Love would serve the Redskins best with lead blockers and pulling offensive lineman that can help him get to the second level of a defense. Redskins showed the willingness last year to use a fullback more often, and that presents an opportunity for Love to have a decent role in Washington and challenge the Thompson and Marshall.

Benny Snell Jr. (21-years old): Kentucky, 5’10, 223 lbs.

 

 

 

 

 

Data courtesy CFB at Sports-Reference.com.

Snell is a solid prospect whose production continued to grow each year at UK. Snell is a decisive runner who wastes very little time at the line of scrimmage, one-cut back who runs behind his pads. The power he provides will wear a defense down throughout a game and allow him to win often in one on one situations. Not the most elusive running back will often use his vision or power to set up defenders who will either get them out of position or bad tackling efforts — capable pass-protector, which bodes well for a team looking for a potential three-down running back.

Overall, Snell is a back who will develop into a good feature back for an offense. Unfortunately, the Redskins do not need that as they are banking on Adrian Peterson and Derruis Guice to handle the bulk of the carries. However, if the Redskins were to select Snell, it would be for insurance purposes. Snell is a real power back, that can fit in a few run schemes, with adequate vision, and could spell for Peterson or Guice on occasions. The question is would he be worth the mid-round pick that it likely will take to acquire him?

Devin Singletary (21-years old): Florida Atlantic, 5’7, 203 lbs.

 

 

 

 

 

Data courtesy CFB at Sports-Reference.com.

Singletary’s production is off the charts throughout his three-year career at FAU. He has a knack for finding the endzone, nearly 70 touchdowns in three years; he averaged 22 touchdowns a season as an Owl. Singletary plays much bigger than his 5’7 frame, a power back, with natural leverage and balance, he is hard to bring down with his vision and power combination. He has excellent instincts, processing plays very quickly and reacting accordingly against a defense. Can run in-between the tackles and has the durability to take on the bigger bodies. Singletary is a confident runner, very rare do you see wasted steps with Devin, and he is also a willing pass-blocker.

As a professional, he will come into the NFL with over 700 carries, which will be a cause for concern for any team. That is many touches over three years. He may also lack the speed (4.66 40-yard dash) to break away from most NFL defenders. It should not scare a team from drafting him, he is limited in the sense of only being featured running back, but can be a capable number two back. He is comparable to the likes of a Jacquizz Rodgers, but a better version of him. The Redskins would be able to use him to challenge Byron Marshall and even Chris Thompson immediately.