Alfred Morris is gone to Texas, so second-year back Matt Jones is installed as the starting running back in Washington. But Jones was unimpressive enough last year that his backup running back is of interest in fantasy leagues, if we can determine who that player will be.
This article makes its roster projections, and surprisingly leaves seventh-round running back Keith Marshall off it. Marshall turned heads by running a blistering 4.31 at the combine, and got some early rookie draft interest as the possible backup to Jones. His size (5-11, 219) makes that speed even more impressive.
Writer Mike Jones, though, thinks it will be passing downs back Chris Thompson and second-year back Mack Brown making the team, with Marshall -- for now, he says -- missing the cut.
Given Marshall's measurables, I'm going to disagree with Jones and say Marshall makes the cut. But it's no sure thing, and the team has another undrafted youngster, Robert Kelley, in the mix as well.
Matt Jones averaged just 3.4 yards per carry and fumbled 5 times a year ago. Not a sure thing. But those hoping to protect that draft pick with his backup don't have a sure thing, either. Thompson might actually be the "safest" running back on the roster, relative to his likely production as passing down back and where he'll be selected in drafts.
--Andy Richardson