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NFL Combine 2018: 3 running backs for the Redskins to watch

By Jacob Camenker

3ORLANDO, FL - JANUARY 01: Derrius Guice #5 of the LSU Tigers reacts after a two-yard reception for touchdown against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the fourth quarter of the Citrus Bowl on January 1, 2018 in Orlando, Florida. Notre Dame won 21-17. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
3ORLANDO, FL - JANUARY 01: Derrius Guice #5 of the LSU Tigers reacts after a two-yard reception for touchdown against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the fourth quarter of the Citrus Bowl on January 1, 2018 in Orlando, Florida. Notre Dame won 21-17. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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SAN DIEGO, CA – NOVEMBER 24: Rashaad Penny #20 of the San Diego State Aztecs eludes Bijon Parker #4 and DaQuan Baker #37 of the New Mexico Lobos for a rushing touchdown during the second half of a game at Qualcomm Stadium on November 24, 2017 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA – NOVEMBER 24: Rashaad Penny #20 of the San Diego State Aztecs eludes Bijon Parker #4 and DaQuan Baker #37 of the New Mexico Lobos for a rushing touchdown during the second half of a game at Qualcomm Stadium on November 24, 2017 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

If you’re searching for eye-popping numbers ahead of the NFL Combine, look no further than Rashaad Penny. The San Diego State product was the full-time starter in 2017 for the first time in his career after splitting time with Donnel Pumphrey. And as a starter, he was incredible.

In his final season, Penny saw 289 carries and totaled a whopping 2,248 yards and 23 scores on the ground. He averaged 7.8 yards per carry and also caught 19 passes for 135 yards and two scores.

Penny has a thick looking 5-foot-11, 220 pound frame, deceptively good burst, solid movement skills, and he is a talented kick returner. He made not have the top line speed to be a game-breaking threat at the NFL level, but he has the ability to be a very solid two down back at the very least.

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Penny didn’t particularly impress at the Senior Bowl though he was afforded an opportunity to play against higher level competition. Perhaps his move from the Mountain West may take extra time, as he hasn’t faced the same level of competition that the Power 5 conferences have faced.

Keep an eye on how Penny looks in drills and if his vision and mental processing is strong enough to afford him a chance at success in the NFL. As WalterFootball.com’s Charlie Campbell mentioned in his scouting report of Penny, there are concerns about Penny’s ability to learn an offense and that he can sometimes play slow and overthink things. If that is an issue at the Combine, he probably won’t be anything more than a rotational back early in his career.

Still, Penny could be a very good fit with the Redskins. He could form a nice committee with Perine and Thompson, as the three would be able to play different roles in the offense. Penny is probably more of a mid-round option unless he showcases better speed and learning skills than expected at the Combine.

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