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NFL Draft Rumors: Redskins looking to add a running back?

By Brad Berreman

Nov 19, 2016; Syracuse, NY, USA; Florida State Seminoles running back Dalvin Cook (4) carries the ball during the first quarter of a game against the Syracuse Orange at the Carrier Dome. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 19, 2016; Syracuse, NY, USA; Florida State Seminoles running back Dalvin Cook (4) carries the ball during the first quarter of a game against the Syracuse Orange at the Carrier Dome. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Washington Redskins don’t have an issue with depth at running back, but could they use an early draft pick to spark their running game?

The Washington Redskins were tied for sixth in the league in rushing touchdowns last season (17), and they were also top-10 in yards per carry (4.5). But that did not yield great overall results, as the Redskins finished just 21st in the NFL in rushing (106 yards per game).

Rob Kelley was a real find for Washington in 2016, as the undrafted rookie out of Tulane led the team with 168 carries for 704 yards and six touchdowns. Chris Thompson was also productive in his role, with 49 receptions while averaging a robust 5.2 yards per carry. But that does not mean running back won’t be on the Redskins’ radar early in the draft.

Rich Tandler of CSN Mid-Atlantic has offered a piece wondering how big a draft need running back is for the Redskins. Head coach Jay Gruden praised Kelley the most, along with praise for Thompson and backup third-down back Mack Brown.

"“Oh, man, I love Rob Kelley,” Gruden said. “I thought he played great. You throw a rookie free agent into the fire like that and see him play and compete. Not one time did I feel like it was too big for him. Not once. That’s a hell of a thing to say for a kid out of Tulane who only had a couple of carries his senior year. He came right in, he competes on every play.”"

One name missing from Gruden’s running back love fest is Matt Jones. Tandler passed along Gruden’s acknowledgement that the 2015 third-round pick was “still on the roster,” without “much good to say about him.” Jones only played seven games last season, while being a healthy scratch eight times as he finished with 460 yards on 99 carries.

The Redskins can go multiple directions with the 17th overall pick in Thursday night’s first round, including running back. Lance Zierlein of NFL.com has them taking Dalvin Cook in his recent mock draft, and Mark Maske of the Washington Post  has Christian McCaffrey falling to the Redskins. It seems unlikely McCaffrey falls that far, but Cook’s stock has been falling and he should be in play at No. 17.

Next: 2017 NFL Draft: Quarterbacks dominate first round

No matter what the Redskins do in the draft, Jones’ roster spot is in doubt. If Cook, McCaffrey or another back is added, Jones may not make it through the weekend without being cut.

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