Washington Redskins Player Paragraphs: Offensive skill players at OTAs

Running Back

Derrius Guice

So… about those character issues. Derrius Guice has quickly become a fan favorite in D.C., and the coaches are equally impressed with the LSU product. In workouts, Guice has displayed speed and quickness that surprised even Jay Gruden. Yes, power backs can be fast, too. Guice provides the Washington Redskins with a complete back, and his rare skill set and work ethic has earned him a number of endorsements, including one from All-Pro offensive tackle Trent Williams, who said the following of the rookie after practice earlier this week: “When you watch him on film, it’s like he’s been here before. He’s a specimen. Extremely lucky to get him in the second round. I don’t know how that happened. It’s not going to take very long before people recognize him as an elite NFL talent.” It’s safe to say the Derrius Guice hype train is running at full speed.

Chris Thompson

Coming off a season-ending injury, Chris Thompson has been rehabbing for the majority of the offseason, and that hasn’t changed yet. According to Jake Kring-Schreifels of Redskins.com, on the last day of minicamp before a month break, Thompson was one of several players doing work on the sideline, out of uniform. He’s made progress without interruption this offseason, and the upcoming six week break should allow him to further rest and recover from the fractured fibula he suffered against the New Orleans Saints. We may have to wait until training camp to hear when Thompson might be ready.

Samaje Perine

Along with Derrius Guice and Robert Kelley, Samaje Perine has been rotating in with the first team at running back. Perine is in the same boat as Kelley; He needs to work on improving his vision and his catching ability out of the backfield. Despite his shortcomings, the Oklahoma product held his own as a rookie last year, running behind an offensive line ravaged by injuries. His skill set suggests he could have a future as a backup, short-yardage back for the Washington Redskins. According to Matthew Paras of the Washington Times, Perine has been working on his speed, losing bad weight and getting in better shape. A little adjustment could make a big difference for the Sooners’ all-time leading rusher. At the very least, he adds to a very deep running back room.

Robert Kelley

On the surface, it might seem as if Robert Kelley is the odd man out for the Washington Redskins’ backup running back gig. His second season as the team’s starter was cut drastically short by injury, and now, the team has Derrius Guice in tow, supposedly to take his place. But Kelley isn’t going without a fight. He’s looked good in offseason workouts. He’s reportedly improved his pass catching skills, which will be essential for him if he is to stick around in Jay Gruden’s offense, which heavily favors versatility. Kelley’s experience is also something he has going for him, but he’s not using it to talk down to younger players. Guice has happily accepted Kelley as a mentor at the position, and Kelley’s leadership may be another factor that leads to him stealing a roster spot in his third season. He regularly took the first reps among running backs. Perhaps, his job is safer than we think.

Kapri Bibbs

Kapri Bibbs came in late last season and brought some excitement to a Washington Redskins team that was long eliminated from the playoffs, and hurting at the running back position. Bibbs is an interesting player; he has a stocky NFL build, but he’s quick enough to contribute as a change of pace back, as well as out of the backfield as a pass catcher. Bibbs is buying into the hype around the 2018 Washington Redskins. Recently, he said that his goal this year is to earn a second Super Bowl ring. If he can showcase more of his complete game at running back over the course of the offseason, he could get a chance to do just that with the Washington Redskins.

Byron Marshall

Byron Marshall’s versatility has caught Jay Gruden’s eye through offseason workouts thus far. Marshall has always been a dual-threat running back, but he hasn’t yet had a chance to prove himself on the NFL stage. With the Washington Redskins holding open their fourth spot at running back, Marshall could find a way to sneak on the roster. In a group as close as this one, there isn’t much margin for error, but Marshall has the quickness and receiving ability to backup Chris Thompson, and at just 24 years old, he has plenty of time left to make an impact.

Martez Carter

Pegged as a potential UDFA steal earlier in the offseason, Martez Carter has done well early in offseason activities, but so have the players labeled as his competition. Carter may not be able to separate himself enough to make the roster this year, but he has a skill set that is truly intriguing. Standing at 5-foot-7, Carter is undersized. But he’s exceptionally explosive out of the backfield, and as Steven Czarda noted in an article on the Washington Redskins’ official website, Carter “has no problem catching the ball, is very confident with [the ball] in his hands, and makes the right cuts upfield.” Carter could be viewed as a competent backup to receiving back Chris Thompson, but he’ll have to compete with Robert Kelley, Byron Marshall, and Kapri Bibbs for that spot. It’s a tough task, but Mr. Excitement will put up a fight.

Elijah Wellman

The Washington Redskins haven’t always been apt to keep a fullback on their active roster in recent years, but 2018 could be different. Jay Gruden recently laid out the possibility that they could keep a fullback to help with blocking, something they’ve had to use tight ends for in the past. Elijah Wellman, an undrafted free agent from West Virginia, is the only fullback on the roster. He was primarily used as a blocker for the Mountaineers, without providing much utility as a versatile offensive piece. He only recorded five receptions for 36 yards in his final season, and he ran a 4.85 40-yard dash later on. As the only fullback, Wellman has a change to sneak on the roster. But it may come down to simple preference.