Washington Football Team: The 2021 running backs
By Jonathan Eig
The Tough Guy – J.D. McKissic
Like Gibson, McKissic began his college career as a receiver before converting to running back. He is one of only two backs on the team who weighs under 200 pounds, but he plays a lot bigger than that.
McKissic has made his bones in the NFL as a receiving back. Had he remained a receiver, we’d be talking about a poor man’s Gary Clark. Like Clark, McKissic is not very fast, but you don’t see him run down from behind very often. Like Clark, McKissic manages to run through tackles attempted by men who outweigh him by thirty pounds.
McKissic has done this throughout his career, but his size and style of play make him susceptible to injury. Ideally, he will not be Gibson’s primary backup – a role he was forced into last season. He will be a classic third-down receiver and occasional change-of-pace guy.
With both McKissic and Curtis Samuel on the field, the Washington Football Team will have virtually interchangeable players. Samuel is faster. McKissic is stronger. But both can line up in the backfield or line up outside depending on defensive personnel. And that should be fun to watch. Speaking of fun…