Three running backs for the Redskins to watch at the 2020 NFL Combine

AJ Dillon differs from the other two backs on this list. While Dowdle and Perine have both been rotational backs during their respective careers, Dillon has been a workhorse. And while the other two may be explosive, Dillon is an old-fashioned power back who could find a role in the NFL.

Dillon was the starter at Boston College for three seasons. During that time, he averaged 281.7 carries, 1,460.7 yards, and 13.3 total touchdowns. He quite literally handled an NFL-caliber workload in college and averaged 5.2 yards per carry in doing so.

At the combine, Dillon checked in at 6-foot-even, 247 pounds. That makes him nine pounds heavier than Derrick Henry despite being three inches shorter. Dillon is certainly a heavy, powerful, and strong prospect and his 23 bench press reps showcase that.

Of course, the question for Dillon is going to be all about how he runs. If he can clock a faster than expected time in the 40-yard dash, his stock may rise a bit. But if he doesn’t or if he does very poorly in that area, he could really plummet as teams may not think that he has the quickness needed to be anything more than a short-yardage or goal-line option at the next level.

Dillon will have value no matter what. His heavy running style could wear out teams late in games. And he may even be able to play some fullback because of his size. That type of versatility could intrigue Ron Rivera, as he once had a bowling-ball running back/fullback hybrid in Mike Tolbert who weighed as much as Dillon but was three inches shorter. So, if he sees some similar traits there (namely power running ability), perhaps Dillon could end up being a target.

Either way, Dillon will be intriguing to watch in all athletic tests. If he ends up finding success, perhaps he’ll have a legitimate chance to turn into a starter at the NFL level despite the tread on his tires.