Reviewing the Washington Football Team’s offense before the 2021 NFL Draft
By Jonathan Eig
Washington Football Team RBs
ACTIVE ROSTER
Antonio Gibson, RB (22)
Go back and see how many analysts thought this was a big reach in the third round of the 2020 draft. How many do you think still see it that way?
Best: Continued progress and a Pro Bowl.
Worst: A sophomore slump is certainly possible. But barring injury, unlikely. Anything less than 1,250 combined yards and double-digit touchdowns would be a disappointing season.
J.D. McKissic, RB (27)
College receiver-turned runner paired with Antonio Gibson to give Washington a lot of flexible firepower out of the backfield.
Best: Same as 2020, with three extra touchdowns to boot.
Worst: McKissic had more targets and almost as many carries in 2020 than he did in his previous four years combined. Hopefully more weapons on offense reduce his wear and tear. Otherwise, injury is a real concern.
Peyton Barber, RB (27)
All-around good guy who defied the odds and made the roster in 2020.
Best: Washington does not find a short-yardage specialist this off-season and Barber returns to do exactly what he did in 2020.
Worst: Washington decides they don’t really need a short-yardage specialist and no matter how good a guy he is, they can’t hold onto a marginal talent.
Lamar Miller, RB (29)
Veteran signed late in the year when Gibson had to miss a few games. Has been re-signed for 2021.
Best: Provides quality depth and rest for Gibson. Goes for 200 yards and scores three TDs in a fill-in role.
Worst: May not have the typical wear and tear of a 29-year-old running back, but he hasn’t carried the ball since 2018. Rust may render him ineffective allowing a 2021 draft pick to supplant him.
RESERVE LIST
Bryce Love, RB (23)
What might have been. The dynamic Love was severely injured on the final play of his college career. He has not played in a game since 2018.
Best: Makes it onto the field. That would make him this year’s Alex Smith.
Worst: Love has already experienced the worst, at least in terms of his athletic career. He has not been able to play, and that sadly seems likely to be the end of his professional football story.