Taking a look at every position unit entering Washington Redskins training camp. Today: Running backs.
Returning starters: Alfred Morris, Darrel Young (FB)
Key additions: Matt Jones
Others: Silas Redd, Chris Thompson, Trey Williams, Jordan Campbell (FB)
Up for grabs: The third-down role needs to be finalized, but that is a reason why they selected Jones, so he'll be the one to beat in this competition. Jones is a big back, but he has nimble feet for a guy his size. He only caught 19 passes at Florida, but the Gators had terrible quarterback play and they rarely looked at Jones (would have helped had they not forced so many bad throws downfield). The others can challenge for time here as well. Redd showed flashes in 2014 and Thompson/Williams both have the quick feet coaches love in a spread formation. But Thompson has to prove he can stay durable and, then, produce when given the chance.
Morris' adjustment: If the Redskins do run more power, Morris is equipped to have success. He ran almost all power in college and his vision/patience is a good fit. If the right side of the line (guard Spencer Long and tackle Brandon Scherff) blocks as advertised, then Morris and the run game will benefit. Check out this stat courtesy of ESPN stats & Information: Morris averaged 2.90 yards before contact as a rookie and only 2.05 a year ago (it was 2.62 in 2013). Improved run blocking, I always felt, was an understated area that needed to improve. That's not just on the offensive linemen, by the way; it's on the tight ends as well. Regardless, Morris can benefit.
Jones' impact: It's impossible to know at this point how much work Jones will receive. They drafted him in the third round for a reason, but that doesn't guarantee anything. Jones has terrific size, but he was not a special runner in college. He did have some games where he was fantastic and others where he had little impact. Perhaps that's why I heard very split opinions on him after the draft: Some teams didn't like him at all; the Redskins clearly did. But after watching him in college I think he can help on third downs. The question then becomes: Will he just be Roy Helu 2.0 or someone who gets a chance for more than a handful of carries per game?
Third-down protection: Another key issue. Which back will handle it best? Young is a solid blocker, but the other players offer more consistent playmaking ability as a third-down back. I like Young as a fullback, but it's hard to involve him a whole lot more. He's an excellent sneak attack, but if you get him the ball a lot more, then it means you're not getting the ball as much to the playmakers. Then again, maybe it means they're running more plays (that's the positive spin). Regardless, third-down protection must improve -- it's been way too inconsistent the past few seasons. Jones was fine at this in college, but it's often a big adjustment for rookie running backs. They usually go from being responsible for half a side to both sides. Tough.
Keep an eye on: Williams. I like the potential battle between him and Thompson. The latter was Williams a couple years ago; both were talented college runners. Thompson understands what he must do at times to create better chances -- be more patient. Sometimes a quick pause is the difference between a three-yard run and a 15-yarder. It gives blockers a chance to do their jobs and it provides a better chance to read. It's not always possible to pause, but this was a topic of discussion with Thompson late last season. But Williams is the latest "toy" with this style so he'll get plenty of chances to prove he deserves a spot.
Stat that must change: First-down runs. I'm going to take a look at Morris' numbers in this area because he's carried the ball most in these situations. They're telling (and I'm not putting this all on him by any means; it's for a variety of reasons but his numbers are symbolic of the issues). In 2012, Morris averaged 5.15 yards per first down run (getting 3.18 before contact). Last season, those numbers dropped to 3.82 and 1.79, respectively. Morris ranked 29th in the NFL in first-down runs last season (the league average was 4.26 yards per carry). In 2012, he ranked sixth (and Robert Griffin III ranked fourth).
Outlook: The Redskins say they're going to be committed to the run game and they must follow through. Griffin and the rest of the offense would be helped if they do. After Morris there are plenty of question marks but some intrigue as well. Jones clearly fits what they want to do, but he has to prove himself worthy. Redd will be interesting to watch this summer after making it as an undrafted free agent a year ago. Players in this spot always must show a lot more than others, especially early in their careers. The starting tandem of Young and Morris is solid; the backups are unproven. I'll be curious to see line coach Bill Callahan's impact on the run game. He's proficient in both man and power, and I know he's already tweaked some of their runs.
