He offers something unique in their running back rotation, but that won’t be enough to convince the Washington Commanders to give a space on the final roster to Chris Rodriguez Jr.
That’s the prediction from Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic, but there’s a silver lining for Rodriguez. Notably, in Jhabvala admitting “losing Chris Rodriguez Jr. isn’t easy though. He showed a bit of what he’s capable of late last season, and with each of Washington’s veteran backs on one-year deals or in the last year of their contracts, he’s one I think has a chance to earn a bigger role. The problem is, it may not be in Washington.”
Rodriguez misses out, but there’s room for Brian Robinson Jr., Austin Ekeler and Jeremy McNichols. The three veterans are joined by rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt, the breakout star of this offseason.
Croskey-Merritt completes a quartet up on its quota of breakaway speed and versatility as pass-catchers. What’s missing is some straight-ahead brute power, something Rodriguez can still provide between the tackles, despite multiple predictions he’ll be cut.
Commanders Still Have Need for Chris Rodriguez Jr.
He’s not going to wow anybody with acceleration and elusiveness, but Rodriguez still has value for the Commanders. The 5-foot-11, 224-pounder can bludgeon defenses and add a physical element to the Washington offense.
No back on the roster is as tough to bring down as Rodriguez. The sixth-round pick in the 2023 NFL draft averaged 3.2 yards after contact per rushing attempt last season, according to Pro Football Reference.
One of the best examples of Rodriguez refusing to be felled by the first tackler was this clutch touchdown scored against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 17.
It was a key play during a 30-24 victory that proved decisive in the Commanders reaching the playoffs. Rodriguez having his number called in a critical moment was an endorsement not only of the faith of his coaches, but also of the 24-year-old’s ability to stay ready and respond the right way when needed.
The Commanders needed Rodriguez, despite cutting him in late-November, only to re-sign the former Kentucky star when injuries struck down Robinson and Ekeler, per ESPN’s John Keim.
Rodriguez quickly set about making “the most of his opportunities,” according to Jhabvala, who cited impressive numbers from Next Gen Stats.
The numbers prove the Commanders can count on Rodriguez. That’s a good enough reason to keep him around, even though there’s no shortage of alternatives.
Commanders Can Trim Conflated RB Rotation
It’s a crowded depth chart, perhaps overcrowded with crossover skills. Obvious overlap exists between Ekeler and McNichols, two backs better known for their pass-catching talents than rushing skills.
Ekeler is more explosive and has use as a kick returner, so the Commanders could move on from McNichols to keep Rodriguez. The latter would be a direct complement to one-cut-and-go specialist Croskey-Merritt.
They would both push Robinson, who’s still the starter, but he must fix a major flaw in his game. Robinson still has a lot to prove, but Rodriguez has already shown this coaching staff he can be trusted to deliver in key moments.
It ought to be enough to keep him around for another year.
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