4 Commanders players who could ruffle feathers at 2023 training camp
By Dean Jones
Chris Rodriguez Jr. - Commanders RB
Despite many thinking the 2023 NFL Draft would be catered towards giving Eric Bieniemy's offense some extra firepower, the Washington Commanders instead allocated four of their eventual seven picks onto the defensive side of things. This included their opening two selections being spent on defensive backs, leaving mid-round offensive linemen and a Day 3 skill position prospect for the new offensive shot-caller.
That was something of a surprise. But the Commanders feel like they have enough providing quarterback Sam Howell can somehow come up with the improved consistency needed.
One player that did arrive thanks to Bieniemy's recommendation was Chris Rodriguez Jr. - a running back with an intriguing set of skills that could be molded into a productive NFL performer over time.
Rodriguez got a rude awakening throughout Washington's rookie minicamp. He was a little sluggish and felt Bieniemy's wrath on more than one occasion - but the player came into the building with renewed purpose once it was time to link up with veterans at OTAs and the team's mandatory minicamp.
Bieniemy sees something in Rodriguez and is working hard to add different dynamics to his game - especially when it comes to pass-catching out of the backfield. The Commanders have Brian Robinson Jr. and Antonio Gibson as their preferred one-two punch atop the running back depth chart, but don't be surprised if the former Kentucky star does enough to force his way into their plans right out of the gate.