Grading the Redskins 2020 free-agent signings: Running backs
Peyton Barber
Barber has been the definition of durable as a running back only missing one game throughout his entire NFL career. But the Auburn alum has been all over the spectrum as an NFL running back.
From being the Bucs’ bell-cow running back in 2018 when he posted nearly 900 rushing yards on 3.7 yards per carry to being the rotational running back for the other three seasons in his NFL career, Barber has been everything you could ask for from an undrafted running back.
Barber brings a little bit of a different approach than McKissic, as Barber isn’t the pass-catcher that McKissic is. Barber has had some success as a catcher out of the backfield, but not enough to confidently say he could be your third-down back if asked.
Barber does bring something McKissic doesn’t though, and that’s the ability to be your bell-cow, 230-plus rushing attempts a season type of running back. Barber’s skill set isn’t the best for that — he isn’t the best at running between the tackles and doesn’t offer much burst — his ability to carry the full load is on tape and gave him the best statistical season of his career.
Last year, Barber showed an improvement in the pass-catching game, as he posted 16 catches for 115 yards, with a fourth of his catches going for first downs to go along with a catch percentage of 67.
Barber isn’t a superstar, but he’s a back you can rely on to be healthy and fill in for a couple of games should an injury happen to a Redskins running back group that has been riddled with them. His game is a bit one-dimensional; he’s essentially your average NFL running back. Nothing flashy or special, but for a team that’s had a running back room full of injuries, an average running back can go a long way.
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