Grading the Redskins 2020 free-agent signings: Running backs
J.D. McKissic
While I do love the speed J.D. McKissic brings out of the backfield — he was a multi-position player at Arkansas State — he hasn’t stayed active throughout his NFL career. Due to both a lack of playing time, being an NFL journeyman, and a foot injury back in his Seattle days, McKissic hasn’t been tried and tested much in the NFL.
When he has been on the field, he’s popped occasionally in the open field, minimally as a blocker, and more so as a pass-catcher than anything. He’s capped out his highest carry total in a season at 46, but as a situational back, he does post an impressive 4.6 yards per carry average and has a sweet catch percentage of well over 75 percent.
McKissic’s speed in the open field as a pass-catching back flashed a bunch last season when he was with the Detroit Lions. McKissic posted his career-high in rushing yards at just 205 yards, but did it at an impressive 5.4 yards per carry with his longest carry being 44 yards.
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In the receiving game, J.D. had a catch percentage of 81, with 34 receptions for 233 yards and a touchdown. The 2019 season was the first one in which he played all 16 games, so in 2020, McKissic will look to stay healthy and turn over a new leaf to become a consistent third-down back for the Burgundy and Gold.
McKissic’s impact, if he makes the team come September, will be felt most on third down, where he’s had 22 of his 70 career receptions go for first downs. As noted earlier, that role desperately needs to be filled for this Redskins team, so the job is out there on a silver platter for McKissic to take it.
McKissic signed a two-year, $3.25 million contract with the Washington Redskins, with a minimal dead cap if the Redskins were to part ways with him in a matter of months. McKissic will be looking to battle it out with every back on the roster not named Adrian Peterson for a spot, especially as the team’s third-down specialist.