Commanders complete backfield rotation with Brian Robinson Jr. selection

Following the polarizing selection of Phadarian Mathis at No. 47 overall, the Washington Commanders needed to rebound in a big way.

By all accounts, they did just that, taking Alabama running back Brian Robinson Jr. with their final pick of night two at No. 98 overall.

The Commanders have been in the market for a running back since the start of the offseason and this officially ends that search. With Antonio Gibson serving as the lead back, JD McKissic reassuming his role as the third-down specialist, the addition of Robinson means the team’s backfield rotation for 2022 is now set.

The Commanders drafted Alabama running back Brian Robinson with their lone fourth-round pick.

If you’re shocked by the pick, you simply haven’t been paying attention, as the Commanders hosted three of the top RBs in this year’s class — Kenneth Walker, Breece Hall and Isaiah Spiller — including Robinson, on pre-draft visits.

With Spiller still on the board, the club went with Robinson, who fits their system better than the former Aggie.

Robinson is just one of a long list of talented running backs that have passed through Tuscaloosa over the years. Since 2014, Robinson racked up the third most rush yards after contact among Crimson Tide running backs with 1.841. Only Najee Harris (2,360) and Derrick Henry (1,860) had more, per PFF.

That’s impressive company, but get this: Robinson’s 91.1 rushing grade last season was the best from an Alabama running back since 2014. His 891 yards after contact ranked 12th in the country and his 79 forced missed tackles tied for sixth.

If you’re picking up on Robinson’s speciality, yes, it’s physicality. He’s bigger and stronger than most defenders he comes across, knows it, and tries to bulldoze everything in his path, making him an ideal backup for Gibson.

Worth noting, too, that Robinson didn’t fumble over 272 carries in 2021.

Does the Alabama product fill a glaring need? Not exactly, but he’ll go a long way towards filling Peyton Barber’s shoes as a quality backup. Folks forget how valuable Barber was to Washington’s backfield during Gibson’s rookie year in 2020.

While Gibson is no longer a rookie, he finished fourth in the league with 258 carries last campaign. Robinson’s arrival will help provide more balance to the backfield and maybe even help Gibson get back to being more efficient, as he averaged just 4.0 yards per carry in 2021, likely due to his  massive workload.

Welcome to Washington, Robinson! Let’s get to work!