Former Redskins running back Clinton Portis provides four names at the running back position that Washington could select during the 2018 NFL Draft that will take place later this month.
The Washington Redskins are in positon to draft a running back at some point during the 2018 NFL Draft. Whether that's with the No. 13 pick or not remains to be seen, but as the draft inches closer former Redskins running back Clinton Portis is here to give you the lowdown on four potential options for Washington.
So without further ado, here are four running backs Portis highlights in his positional draft preview along with some background information on each.
Derrius Guice
While Saquon Barkley will likely be well off the board by the time Washington's selection at No. 13 rolls around, there's another potential first-round option: LSU's Derrius Guice.
In three seasons with the Tigers, Guice carried the ball 471 times for 3,074 yards with 29 touchdowns. He also recorded 32 receptions for 350 yards and three touchdowns. In 11 different games, Guice ran for at least 100 yards while also piecing together three 200-yard performances during his college career.
During his junior season in 2017, Guice was named a second-team All-SEC selection as he rushed for more than 1,200 yards with 11 touchdowns.
"This guy is fast, he's a hard-nosed runner and he plays with a lot of passion," Portis said. "When you look at 2nd-and-short, 3rd-and-short, this is the type of running back you need. Shoulders squared, a guy who's going to pick that up and run hard."
Rashaad PennyThe Redskins could find a way to provide a boost to both their offense and special teams with the selection of San Diego State's Rashaad Penny.
In four seasons with the Aztecs, Penny rushed for more than 3,650 yards with 38 touchdowns. He also returned 81 kicks for 2,449 yards and seven scores.
During his senior season, Penny led all Division I-A players in rushing yards with 2,248. He also scored 23 rushing touchdowns. In his collegiate finale against Army, Penny rushed for 221 yards on just 14 carries with four touchdowns.
"This kid has a major upside," Portis said. "A big playmaker, someone who you need. You need a guy who can go the distance."
Sony MichelGeorgia had a lethal one-two punch at running back last year with Sony Michel and Nick Chubb. While both are expected to go early in the draft, Portis sees Michel as more of a fit in Washington than Chubb.
"When you look at Sony Michel, what he does in the hole, this is something that most people will overlook," Portis said. "But me playing running back, in the hole and for him to be able to get skinny, find the lanes and follow through, [falling] forward is always a plus."
In four seasons at Georgia, Michel carried the ball 591 times for 3,638 yards and 33 touchdowns. He also logged 64 career receptions for 621 yards and sic receiving touchdowns.
As a senior, he rushed for career highs in both yards (1,227) and rushing touchdowns (16).
Mark WaltonCould the Redskins once again get a productive running back from Miami to change the dynamic of the offense?
Portis' sleeper is none other than Mark Walton of the Miami Hurricanes. While he hasn't been mentioned with the likes of Guice, Penny or Michel, Portis believes he could help the Redskins right away if healthy.
"This guy is a big-time playmaker, got injured every year at the University of Miami, which is a knock on him – not sure of his durability – but if you watch how he got injured, the guy was in traffic trying to make plays," Portis said. "This is a guy who is constantly looking for the big play. A guy who can get through the hole, vision is unreal. You need vision at this level."
During his first two seasons with Miami, Walton appeared in 26 games and rushed for more than a combined 1,500 yards and 23 touchdowns. However, his final season with the Hurricanes was cut short after four games.
