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Joe Mixon: Washington Redskins Could Be Right Fit For Troubled Back

By Lawrence Jason Dukes

Jan 2, 2017; New Orleans , LA, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Joe Mixon (25) leaps away from the tackle attempt of Auburn Tigers linebacker Deshaun Davis (57) in the second quarter of the 2017 Sugar Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2017; New Orleans , LA, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Joe Mixon (25) leaps away from the tackle attempt of Auburn Tigers linebacker Deshaun Davis (57) in the second quarter of the 2017 Sugar Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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Had it not been for a major incident in 2014, Joe Mixon would potentially be a first round pick. The Washington Redskins could be an under-the-radar team to land the talented but troubled running back.

Joe Mixon is a prospect that can potentially transcend the Redskins offense. There are questions about his off-the-field issues and for good reason. Mixon plead guilty to assault charges in 2014 using the Alford plea. He was suspended for the entire season, served 100 hours of community service, and was required to go to counseling.

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Mixon has said at least 15 teams have been in contact with him while others have him off the draft boards. There hasn’t been much talk of Mixon to Washington, aside from a recent Todd McShay/Mel Kiper head-to-head-mock on ESPN. Still, the team has been linked both Dalvin Cook and Christian McCaffrey.

However, both come with question marks. Cook accumulated 14 fumbles in three seasons at Florida State and has been under the scrutiny of law enforcement multiple times. McCaffrey is a talented player and is expected to be gone by the time the Skins’ are on the clock. But he’s 5-foot-11 and 202 pounds. McCaffrey had 745 touches in two seasons. It remains to be seen if he can withstand NFL punishment.

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At 6-foot-1, 226 pounds Mixon offers solid size at the running back position. Although he’s a bigger back he offers more dash than smash. Mixon has the potential to be a three-down back. He’s more known for his elusiveness, but he has the strength to run through defenders. He’s also a dangerous receiver out of the backfield and has drawn comparisons from Matt Forte to Le’Veon Bell.

Per Mixon’s scouting report on Pro Football Focus, Mixon is a great receiver and can make opponents miss tackles. At the same time, he does have some minor concerns like this one:

"[Mixon’s] forward lean helps him gain yards after contact, but it can also cause him to get off balance and go down earlier than he should from linebackers and safety just throwing themselves into him without wrapping up."

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Mixon has the talent, but will that be enough for the Redskins to take a gamble on him? The reported interest in Cook and McCaffrey could be a smoke screen. If the Redskins do indeed have Mixon on the radar, they should do their due diligence. Mixon has similar concerns to Tyreek Hill, but he has been a  solid contributor in his NFL career. Could Mixon be the next in line?

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