Analyzing the Washington Commanders offensive newcomers, pt. 2

Brian Robinson Jr., RB, 6’1”, 228, 23 years old: drafted in 3rd, 2022, signed 5/18

Robinson is the 8th player from the University of Alabama the Washington Commanders have drafted in the past ten years. He offers a skill set the Commanders have not had since the days of an aging Adrian Peterson – a true big, bruising presence in the backfield with enough speed to be an every-down runner. How he and Antonio Gibson will split time remains one of the more intriguing questions about Washington’s offense in 2022.

BEST CASE SCENARIO: platooning with Gibson – 200 carries, 900 yards, 12 TDs

Jahan Dotson WR, 5’11’, 182, 22 years old: drafted in 1st round, 2022, signed 5/18

Everyone knew the Washington Commanders needed to add wide receiver talent to help support Carson Wentz this season. And many fans thought a trade-back, to recoup some missing draft picks, would be a wise move. With Drake London off the board, Washington did trade back, giving up on the chance to select Chris Olave, and opting instead for Dotson and extra picks. Obviously, this deal makes sense if Dotson plays as well, or better than, Olave in the coming years.

Aside from his average size, Dotson has everything you could want in a wideout. He can line up in the slot or outside, can run any route, tracks deep balls and has good hands. And he is tough after the catch. In short, he plays a lot like Terry McLaurin. Now we will see if he produces like Terry.

BEST CASE SCENARIO: part of an explosive platoon behind McLaurin – 65 catches, 900 yards, 6 TDS (or just better than Olave)

Alex Erickson, WR, 6’0” 195, 29 years old: signed as free agent, 5/4

DeAndre Carter left Washington after one season for the Chargers. For a fraction less than Carter is getting, the Commanders brought in veteran receiver/returner Erickson. He will be expected to do what Carter did last year – provide depth for the receiving corps and handle every punt and kickoff return.

BEST CASE SCENARIO: 9 yards per punt return, 25 yards per kickoff return, 1 return TD, 20 catches, 250 yards

Jequez Ezzard, WR, 5’10”, 195, 24 years old: signed as UDFA 5/2

Ezzard fits the athletic profile of Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson. He is a smaller receiver with good all-around athleticism. He can also provide depth as a kick returner. Biggest concern is that despite playing at a small school, he did not consistently put up big numbers. One of several developmental receivers currently on the roster.

BEST CASE SCENARIO: Practice squad. Ezzard needs time to improve his game. If he can outshine hold-overs like Marken Michel and newcomers like Kyric McGowan, he might stick around for a while.

Kyric McGowan, WR, 5/11”, 198: signed as UDFA 5/2

McGowan moved from Northwestern to Georgia Tech for his senior year, and continued to be a steady producer at the college level. It is unclear on whether he is fast enough or big enough to translate that into pro success. McGowan ran the ball at Northwestern, and though he does not possess the blazing speed of Curtis Samuel, he does offer some versatility.

There could be a few more late signings, but most of the pieces for the opening day roster are now set. Let’s hope many of these newcomers quickly become Washington Commanders fan favorites.