The Washington Redskins could use a new third-down running back now that Roy Helu is with the Oakland Raiders. Chris Thompson, a 2013 fifth-rounder, could potentially be that guy but he must prove that he can stay healthy and avoid careless errors. Relying on him to win the job in training camp would be a mistake so adding a name to the mix through the NFL draft is important.
But which ball carrier fits best with what Washington is looking for?
"Boise State's Jay Ajayi is considered an excellent receiver out of the backfield but also with the power to be a full-time back," ESPN Redskins reporter John Keim wrote. "So if the Redskins took him, he could be Alfred Morris' eventual replacement (Morris' contract is up after this season) if they don't want to re-sign him. Ajayi will likely go in the second round. Nebraska's Ameer Abdullah is excellent in space and has good hands; he'd be a big threat after the catch. But his pass protection needs plenty of work, from technique (keeping shoulders square) to recognition (at times he didn't seem to know who or where to block). Not sure Abdullah is a full-time option."
Both names Keim mentioned are targets in rounds two through four. If Washington wants to hold off on drafting a back until the later rounds - and this is a deep draft for RBs -- then Missouri's Marcus Murphy and Texas A&M's Trey Williams are both intriguing options that could be available on Day 3.
New Redskins general manager Scot McCloughan nailed his first running back pick with the San Francisco 49ers in Frank Gore. His others two selections (Thomas Clayton and Glen Coffee) didn't exactly pan out.
The Redskins have expressed some interest in former New Orleans Saints running back Pierre Thomas but they have not brought the free agent veteran in for a visit as of yet.
The NFL Draft will begin on April 30.
