Thompson, Jamison To See Playing Time Monday Night

Aug 5, 2013; Richmond, VA, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) hands the ball off to Redskins running back Chris Thompson (35) during afternoon practice as part of the 2013 NFL training camp at the Bon Secours Washington Redskins Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Washington’s two running back draft selections, Chris Thompson (Florida State, 5th round), and Jawan Jamison (Rutgers, 7th round), we’ll get their first chance to make a case why they should be a part of the 53 man roster Monday Night, when the team faces the Pittsburgh Steelers at home.

Thompson was limited the majority of Rookie Camp and Training Camp due to his recovery from an ACL tear he sustained during his senior season at Florida State. If there’s a running back Redskins fans should be excited to see over Alfred Morris, it’s Thompson, who poses the threat to take each hand off and even dump off to the end zone. His 4.3 speed might be his greatest attribute, as he can blow my defenders before they can make a play on him, but when needed, he can use his quit cuts to avoid tackles.

The major question for Thompson is whether he can stay healthy and get those extra yards after contact. Coming out of Florida State one of his main issues was his inability to stay up after first contact, while also carrying the ball in the wrong arm. While holding the ball can be taught, he will need to prove he can stay healthy and get the extra yards, otherwise he could find himself on the practice squad.

If he can get over those two major obstacles, there’s no question he could be backing up Alfred Morris, as the two would be a very dangerous duo.

JawanJamison might have even more to prove as he was taken in the seventh round, and as is known in the NFL, seventh round picks are usually thought of nothing more than the kid picked last in dodge ball. While Jamison isn’t exactly the perfect running back, Mike Shanahan has proven time and time again that he can find a diamond in the rough.

Jul 30, 2013; Richmond, VA, USA; Washington Redskins running back Alfred Morris (46) and Redskins running back Jawan Jamison (47) participate in drills during afternoon practice as part of the 2013 NFL training camp at the Bon Secours Washington Redskins Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

What might make Jamison the most dangerous back, is the reason he is in the NFL. During two short seasons at Rutgers, he amassed 1,972 yards and 13 touchdowns, but gave up his last two seasons to play in the NFL to help support his mother.

Jamison in a sense is a poor mans Alfred Morris. He can run effectively through the tackles and by no means is afraid of contact. The only issue for Jamison is his size and whether he can handle the beating of the NFL. Roy Helu who is very similar in size to Jamison was effective during games, but couldn’t handle the beating. Jamison will need to prove he can take the beatings against a bruising Pittsburgh defense in order to grab a practice squad spot.

If Thompson is unable to stay healthy, Jamison could get lucky and steal a spot from Royster who has been on the bubble for quite some time, as Roy Helu would more than likely back up Alfred Morris.

Thompson nor Jamison saw action during the teams first preseason game against the Tennessee Titans, a 22-21 victory.