Many were surprised when the Washington Commanders selected Alabama running back Brian Robinson Jr. in the third round of the 2022 NFL draft. It wasn’t surprising that Washington chose a running back as the team’s strategy before the draft told everyone it wanted to add another back.
The surprise was Robinson. Some believed No. 98 overall may have been a bit too high for the former Alabama standout. Not Washington. He was precisely the running back the Commanders wanted — and needed.
The 6-foot-1, 228-pound Robinson brings outstanding size, power and vision to the NFL. Playing at Alabama, Robinson doesn’t have the same mileage as other backs, having played behind future NFL running backs Damien Harris, Najee Harris, Bo Scarbrough and Josh Jacobs his first four seasons.
Last season, Robinson finally received his opportunity and enjoyed a breakout campaign, rushing for 1,343 yards and 14 touchdowns. Robinson also caught 35 passes and two additional touchdowns.
Now, Robinson joins an established Washington backfield led by Antonio Gibson and J.D. McKissic. Gibson is the talented starter who can do a little bit of everything, while McKissic is arguably the NFL’s premier pass-catching back. Robinson, though, brings something different to the table.
That’s why CBS Sports believes Robinson could earn a key role in 2022.
Antonio Gibson is the lead dog in Washington. Robinson’s presence won’t change that. While similarly sized to Gibson, he’s not nearly as explosive or fast downfield. The former Alabama star might just be equally as elusive, and he runs through contact like it’s wet paper.
And something else I love about Robinson — low mileage. He toted the rock only 545 times in his college career, and 2021 was the only season in which he carried it more than 100 times. He’s a boulder of a back with plus vision and shiftiness. Instead of giving defenses a change-of-pace back when Gibson needs a breather, Robinson will provide what will feel like relentless power for linebackers to deal with when clashing with the Commanders.
The presence of Robinson allows offensive coordinator Scott Turner to be more creative with Gibson and McKissic. The former college running back, Gibson can do more of the things Washington envisioned when it drafted him in 2020.
The Commanders also have Jaret Patterson in the backfield, giving them the depth they’ve lacked for years at the position.