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Redskins Deep Dive: An in-depth evaluation of the running backs

By Conor Forrest

LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 24: Derrius Guice #29 of the Washington Redskins carries the ball as Tavon Wilson #32 of the Detroit Lions defends during the first half at FedExField on November 24, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 24: Derrius Guice #29 of the Washington Redskins carries the ball as Tavon Wilson #32 of the Detroit Lions defends during the first half at FedExField on November 24, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
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CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – DECEMBER 01: Derrius Guice #29 of the Washington Redskins stiff arms Shaq Thompson #54 of the Carolina Panthers during the fourth quarter during their game at Bank of America Stadium on December 01, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – DECEMBER 01: Derrius Guice #29 of the Washington Redskins stiff arms Shaq Thompson #54 of the Carolina Panthers during the fourth quarter during their game at Bank of America Stadium on December 01, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) /

Redskins running backs

The Redskins running back depth chart looks like the first two books of the “Hunger Games” series. It’s a long list of names, far more than they will be able to use. But choosing between good options is what a lot of teams wish they could do, and the Redskins are in a good position heading into offseason workouts.

Washington entered the offseason with Derrius Guice and Adrian Peterson under contract and signed free agents Peyton Barber and J.D. McKissic to help alleviate the pain of Chris Thompson’s departure. The Redskins also drafted rookie running back Antonio Gibson from Memphis, while Bryce Love still remains a team member from the 2019 draft.

So, who goes where?

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The diversity of talent is a massive strength for this football team. Peterson refuses to acknowledge time exists while he continues to produce as a true power back. When healthy, Guice has shown his ability to be a true star for the team, both on the ground and in a receiving role. McKissic is an incredible athlete and is also a special teams candidate with his elite speed and return capabilities. Barber has produced well enough in four NFL seasons.

But the key to all of these names is at the start of the third sentence in the last paragraph, “when healthy.” Guice has battled injuries throughout his young career, and Love has yet to even play a down of NFL football. Starting spots always belong to those who are available, and their futures rely on staying healthy and ready to battle come game day. Sometimes, the difference between being an elite running back and not is simply a matter of being healthy.

Elite running backs in the NFL have a combination of power, speed, vision, versatility, and durability. All of these attributes are found in the Redskins running back room between the group, but finding the best of the bunch will ultimately be the tough part. Who starts? Who sits? Who packs the bags and moves on to another team?

It’s time to make a depth chart prediction.

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