Washington football training camp profiles: Running backs
By Ian Cummings
J.D. McKissic
Experience: 5th season
Draft Status: Undrafted, 2016
2019 Stats: 16 games (Three starts), 38 carries, 205 yards, 34 receptions, 233 yards, one touchdown
2020 Outlook: The Washington football team made clear that J.D. McKissic was a more intriguing free agent addition when they signed him to a two-year deal, instead of a one-year deal. It’s still a cheap contract, but the prolonged commitment showed, at the very least, that McKissic brought something different to the table.
McKissic has always been a versatile player, dating back to his days at Arkansas State, when he caught over 100 passes in his freshman season. McKissic is a solid if unspectacular receiving back. He won’t be a difference maker to the degree that Chris Thompson was at his peak, but McKissic will still provide value as a player who can fulfill a multitude of duties. He’ll also likely be a mentor to rookie Antonio Gibson, who projects to have a similar type of versatility.
Expected Role: Given the crowded nature of the Washington football team’s running back room, I wouldn’t expect McKissic to outperform his numbers from last year, unless injuries strike. McKissic will likely serve as a depth piece who can provide a potential change of pace as a receiver out of the backfield. His NFL experience as a receiving back will also likely be an asset to Gibson, and he can add mentor to his list of titles.
Status: McKissic is the first running back on this list whose roster spot in 2020 isn’t reasonably secure. He has the best chance out of the bottom four running backs, due to his versatility, but he hasn’t shown himself to be a difference maker from that role. If the season was starting today, I’d say McKissic is the fourth back, but training camp can provide others with the opportunity to surpass him.