2017 NFL Draft: 5 Possible Running Back Targets for Washington Redskins
The Washington Redskins need to ramp up their running game and should look to the 2017 NFL Draft to do so as these five prospects are solid targets.
The Washington Redskins have the No. 17 pick in the upcoming 2017 NFL Draft. Depending on who you talk to, the Redskins have either a major need for a running back, or could use a complementary back to add to the five already on the roster. Rob Kelley, Chris Thompson, Matt Jones, Keith Marshall and Mack Brown all return to Washington's backfield in 2017.
Well, when you have five running backs, do you really have one? Kelley and Thompson are both solid players and offer varying styles. Kelley is a banger who will get what's blocked for him. Thompson is very good, however, he's just 5-8 and 194 pounds. Quietly, he was one of the NFL's best third-down backs in 2016. He also has a history of back injuries, so the coaching staff is likely to keep Thompson's role similar moving forward.
As the NFL Draft approaches, the Redskins will have plenty of options to add to their backfield, whether it's the first round, second round or even later.
Here's a look at five running backs the Redskins could add at different points in the draft.
Dec 21, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Brigham Young Cougars running back Jamaal Williams (21) scores on a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Wyoming Cowboys during the 2016 Poinsettia Bowl at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
5. Jamaal Williams, BYU
Williams, a 6-0, 212-pound thickly-built back from BYU, led the Cougars in rushing in each of the four seasons in which he played. Williams missed the 2015 season after withdrawing from school due to personal reasons.
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A quintessential power back, Williams does a lot of things well. He's an outstanding runner between the tackles, displays excellent vision and patience. Due to him always keeping his legs moving, he rarely goes down on initial contact. At the Scouting Combine, Williams ran a 4.59-second 40-yard dash, which, for his size and style, was a solid number.
The one thing we haven't seen much from on Williams is his ability to catch passes out of the backfield. With Thompson on the roster, that's not something he would have to do in Washington.
The great thing about Williams is he could probably be had in the fourth or fifth round. For the Redskins, that would be a steal. The team could get a back capable of starting early in his career while addressing other needs with their first three picks. The problem with Williams is a simple question: Do the Redskins already have someone like him in Kelley? Both backs are similar in the sense they get what's blocked for them and do not create a lot of extra yardage.
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers running back Wayne Gallman (9) stiff arms against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
4. Wayne Gallman, Clemson
Gallman, at 6-0, 215 pounds, is similar in size to Williams, but looks like a completely different runner. While Williams relies more on power, Gallman is more elusive and capable of the big play. Gallman's 40-time at the Combine was a bit disappointing as he ran just a 4.6. However, watch Gallman and you'll see how fast he plays. He has football speed, not track speed.
Another aspect pro teams will love about Gallman is he embraces contact. He's an excellent short-yardage runner and is a player who could help the Redskins in the red zone. Gallman was a touchdown machine for Clemson over the last two years in an offense that also featured Deshaun Watson and Mike Williams.
Gallman has an excellent burst but sometimes isn't patient between the tackles. He looks for the big run and sometimes misses easy yardage while he's looking for the big play. That could be an issue in the NFL as teams want a back who can get the consistent yards. Gallman runs a little high, too.
While his 40 time may not show it, Gallman has explosiveness in his game. He could be a nice fit for the Redskins in the third or fourth round.
Nov 12, 2016; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Joe Mixon (25) jumps over Baylor Bears cornerback Ryan Reid (9) during the second half at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
3. Joe Mixon, Oklahoma
Now, we reach the controversial choice in Joe Mixon. Mixon, of course, has the off-field incident in which he struck a woman and broke bones in her face. The video is horrific. It will always follow him. The incident kept Mixon from attending the Combine and some teams allegedly took him off their boards.
So, should the Redskins, who are always seemingly involved in some type of drama, select Mixon and subject him to the intense scrutiny of the D.C. media?
Well, that is an answer only Dan Snyder, Bruce Allen or Jay Gruden know at the moment. But don't believe the hype Mixon will fall to the later rounds. That simply isn't going to happen. If the Redskins want Mixon, they'll likely have to select him in no later than the second round.
Mixon is an incredible talent. Some have compared him to Le'Veon Bell, arguably the NFL's top back at the moment. Bell can do it all, whether it's carrying the ball 30 times, breaking long runs or catching passes out of the backfield. Mixon is that guy, too.
If Washington selects Mixon, it will get an immediate star. The Redskins already have one of the league's best offensive lines and with Kirk Cousins returning at quarterback, this offense could make a huge jump despite losing Pierre Garcon and DeSean Jackson. Mixon gives the Redskins a three-down back that can impact the game on every play.
Multiple teams have already lined up personal visits for Mixon to get a feel for what type of kid he is. The chances are good one of those teams picks Mixon higher than expected in the draft.
Sep 17, 2016; Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal running back Christian McCaffrey (5) catches a pass and rushes for a touchdown against the USC Trojans during the first half of a NCAA football game at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
2. Christian McCaffrey, Stanford
Thanks to ESPN's Mel Kiper and his latest mock draft, steam is picking up on the Christian McCaffrey to Washington talk. And it makes perfect sense. But, unlike the previous backs, the Redskins will have to select McCaffrey with the 17th pick. There is, of course, a chance he's gone by that point, too.
The son of longtime NFL star Ed McCaffrey, Christian has the ability to be an instant star in the NFL. He proved some doubters wrong at the Combine when he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.48 seconds. Creative offensive coordinators at the next level will fall in love with McCaffrey because of his versatility. He can line up in the backfield, in the slot or on the outside and possesses the ability to challenge defenses horizontally.
McCaffrey isn't the type of back you draft if you want him to hammer between the tackles 25-30 times. Sure, he can do those things, but he's capable of so much more. Washington head coach Jay Gruden is a creative mind and would find ways to isolate McCaffrey one-on-one versus a safety or linebacker.
Would the Redskins skip the defensive side of the ball and go with a player who could drastically change their offense? If McCaffrey is the pick, it would be an excellent choice.
Sep 5, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles running back Dalvin Cook (4) runs the ball in the fourth quarter as Mississippi Rebels defensive tackle D.J. Jones (93) defends at Camping World Stadium. Florida State Seminoles won 45-34. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports
1. Dalvin Cook, Florida State
Another potential option for the Redskins at running back is Dalvin Cook of Florida State. A two-time All-American, Cook broke Warrick Dunn's single-season and career records with the Noles before bypassing his senior year to enter the NFL Draft.
Cook gives you a little bit of everything. He can carry the ball 20-25 times, is a solid receiver and can take it to the house on any given play. Cook has excellent vision and is always looking for the big run.
If the Redskins want to draft an immediate starter at running back, Cook is the guy. Gruden can plug him in at running back and get excellent production from the start. Washington already has one of the top offensive lines in the NFL and Cook would give its offense the balance it was missing the past two seasons.
Cook does have some red flags, though. Dating back to his high school days, Cook has been arrested on more than one occasion, although the charges were dropped and/or he was found not guilty in each of the cases. There's also the injury history. Cook's had three shoulder surgeries in his career, a major concern for a running back.
Drafting Cook in the first round would represent some risk for the Redskins, however, the reward could be much greater. Cook, like McCaffrey, has the potential to make Washington's offense elite.
