Tackling Washington Redskins training camp – Day One

Last call for the Derrius Guice hype train

By all accounts, the Redskins needed an upgrade at running back this offseason. And by all accounts, Derrius Guice is that upgrade.

The former LSU running back came into the 2018 NFL Draft as one of the best players available at his position, with 4.49 speed, impressive lateral quickness, and a penchant for withstanding waves and waves of contact.

Despite his skills, Guice slipped to the late second round due to phantom character concerns, where he was snagged by the Redskins. It didn’t take long for the Redskins to realize how much of a steal Guice was. Now, they’re seeing that on the field.

According to Lake Lewis Jr. of the Redskins Wire, Guice “looked solid in his first NFL training camp”, showing off a tenacious, conflict-seeking running style and a surprising ability to catch out of the backfield. He shared first-team reps with Robert Kelley, Samaje Perine, and Chris Thompson. The Redskins seem confident in their running back group and its depth, but Guice should separate himself with time. Chris Thompson is one fellow player who thinks Guice will do that, and more. Here’s what he had to say on the rookie, per ESPN’s John Keim.

"They’re not expecting him to come here and have a 500-yard season. For him, I want 1,000-plus. I want 1,200 to be honest. He probably wants more than that for himself. I love his attitude and approach to the game."

The hype train is getting ready to leave the station. You’re welcome to come aboard.