Young Commanders running back 'could handle feature role' if given chance

The Washington Commanders were praised for selecting former Kentucky running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL draft. During his time in the SEC, Rodriguez rushed for 3,644 yards, averaging 6.2 yards per attempt and 32 touchdowns. Many believed that Rodriguez was a steal.

Overall, the Commanders’ draft class was underwhelming, but Rodriguez performed well when he had an opportunity. He appeared in 13 games and carried the ball 51 times for 247 yards and two touchdowns. Like starting running back Brian Robinson Jr., Rodriguez didn’t receive enough opportunities last season under former offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy.

Chris Trapasso of CBS Sports believes Rodriguez could handle a featured-back role if given the chance.

Rodriguez is a throwback runner — wide frame, downhill style and linebackers glance off him when he really gets the legs churning, even between the tackles. At nearly 6-0 and 217 pounds, he’s plenty big enough to shoulder a sizable load if needed, although he’ll start his second season in the nation’s capital behind Brian Robinson and Austin Ekeler.

Fascinatingly, in the SEC, at nearly the same time frame, Rodriguez averaged 4.00 yards after contact in his Kentucky career. Robinson averaged 3.38. Rodriguez’s contact balance and sheer force through contact are no joke. And, as a rookie in 2023, the former Wildcat icon demonstrated everything power-related to his game translates. On just 51 attempts with the Commanders, his yards after contact average was 3.65. Now, of course, he didn’t qualify for most rushing metrics, yet that 3.65 YAC rate would’ve ranked fourth in the NFL, right ahead of Breece Hall.

There’s a glimmer of wiggle to Rodriguez’s game, too, just in case you were wondering if he was only capable of running through walls in a straight line. The Washington backfield is in good hands because of the depth built there.

Does Washington’s new regime feel the same way about Rodriguez? Entering training camp, Rodriguez seemed like a no-brainer to be the No. 3 running back behind Robinson and Ekeler. However, throughout training camp and the preseason, it’s appeared that veteran Jeremy McNichols and rookie Michael Wiley are ahead of Rodriguez.

McNichols was with San Francisco last season, where new Commanders running backs coach Anthony Lynn was an assistant.

NFL teams have until 4:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday to trim their rosters to 53 players. Will Washington move on from Rodriguez? If they do, Rodriguez is a player who will almost assuredly be claimed off waivers.