Washington Redskins Draft Spotlight: LSU running back Derrius Guice

Derrius Guice is the best running back not named Barkley heading into the NFL Draft. His power and vision make him a solid option for the Washington Redskins out the backfield, and his running style makes him special.

Downhill and violent, Guice has the ability to run through you, around you, or past you. He is a gifted back who employs speed and power on his way to the hole.

Guice’s vision and balance allow him to turn small gains into positive chunk plays for the offense on a consistent basis. The SEC product has the tools needed to come in and be a work horse back in the NFL. Finishing his career at LSU by posting back to back seasons with over 1,100 yards and double-digit touchdowns, Guice has solidified his stellar draft status. Derrius Guice will most likely be the second running back taken next month, and should be gone by the middle of Round 1.

As you’ll see in the video below, Guice is simply hard to tackle. He has the balance to stay upright through contact, and he has the power to body defenders and match them with every ounce of momentum. It’s not uncommon to see three defenders fighting to drag him down, like lions attacking an elephant. In the NFL, Guice would bring this quality, a rare quality, and likely thrive. Guice is an NFL starter. No one has to overthink it.

With their recent attempts at finding talented backs in the middle rounds falling short, the Washington Redskins should look to spend an early round pick on the position of running back. They are legitimate candidates to land Guice come late April. Vice President of Player Personnel Doug Williams has stated that the Washington Redskins will adequately address the need at running back. It should be noted that the Washington Redskins met with Guice at the NFL combine and came away impressed. Our own Ian Cummings writes that Guice has everything the Washington Redskins need at No. 13.

"In Guice, any given NFL team would have an energetic runner who can start and thrive on day one. For the Washington Redskins, Guice, a complete back, would provide a perfect compliment to third down back Chris Thompson, and he’d effectively fill the team’s need at a very important position. He doesn’t even turn 21 until June, and for running backs, who usually tick out at around 30 years of age, time is very much a valuable asset."

When Washington is on the clock at 13 next month, Guice will most likely be there. Bruce Allen and Co. should be all over the opportunity to bring him in and finally fix Washington’s run game.

Next: NFL Mock 6.1: Redskins find a talented RB

The hope that Guice would possibly fall to them in the second round is looking more and more like a pipe dream. Washington will have one shot to land Guice, and should the Washington Redskins decide to pair him with Chris Thompson and Samaje Perine  a weakness will immediately become a strength in Washington.