Chris Rodriguez will look to carve out role for Washington Commanders in deep backfield

The Washington Commanders and head coach Ron Rivera will welcome another former Kentucky football player into their team facility. Two years after spending a first-round pick on linebacker Jamin Davis, the NFC East franchise spent a sixth-round pick on UK’s star tailback.

At No. 193 overall, Chris Rodriguez Jr. heard his name called by the Washington Commanders on Saturday afternoon in Kansas City.

Welcome to the DMV, C-Rod! @CROD_JR | #HTTC pic.twitter.com/kXcC89T7SU

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) April 29, 2023

The former All-SEC tailback will be joining an organization going through an ownership sale and possibly a potential coaching change if things don’t go well in 2023. However, an accomplished offensive coordinator is taking over this season and that could possibly raise the ceiling in the DMV.

KSR is taking a look at Rodriguez’s fit in our nation’s capital as a Day 3 pick that will have to earn a spot on the 53-man roster.

Established two-deep

In the 2020 NFL Draft, the Washington Commanders spent a third-round pick on Memphis wide receiver/kick returner Antonio Gibson. The Day 2 pick made a position switch in the NFC East and has thrived. Gibson has rushed for 2,378 yards (4.1 yards per rush) over the last three seasons with 26 total touchdowns and 124 receptions. Gibson is a true three-down back entering his fourth season in the National Football League.

In the 2022 NFL Draft, Washington spent a third-round pick on Alabama tailback Brian Robinson. The 23-year-old rookie was an instant draft hit for the franchise rushing for 797 yards (3.9 yards per rush). Robinson is an excellent second option and a short-yardage grinder.

The Commanders are in good shape at tailback, but a decision must be made on Gibson’s future soon. The running back is entering the final season of his rookie contract and will be looking for a payday. Washington may not be willing to meet Gibson’s financial demand due to Robinson still having three more seasons on his rookie deal.

On Day 3 at the draft, Washington could be looking for a future replacement at tailback. Chris Rodriguez Jr. will be interesting an interesting situation.

Downhill run game

Former Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy is still looking for an NFL head coaching job. However, the former Colorado running back finally decided to leave Andy Reid in the offseason. Bieniemy will now be bringing his offense to Washington.

The Commanders will likely run a version of the West Coast offense that uses a heavy amount of motion and a pass-first approach. Washington is going to want to get the ball into hands of its wideouts so Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson can make plays in space. Operating primarily out of the shotgun, Biemiemy will use a downhill run attack with inside zone, power, and some counter concepts.

This is a 100 percent a scheme fit for Chris Rodriguez Jr.

Playing for offensive coordinator Eddie Gran from 2019-20, Rodriguez thrived in an inside zone offense operated primarily out of the shotgun. From 2021-22, Rodriguez was put in a pro-style offense and was at his best as a tight zone runner under Liam Coen and a gap scheme rusher under Rich Scangarello.

Rodriguez is a physical downhill runner that avoids negative plays and breaks tackles with efficiency, but owns limited extra-base pop. The best pro fit for the Kentucky product will be as a short-yardage option that can also serve as a fill-in starter. Rodriguez will have to earn that role in Washington, but he’ll be playing in an offense that fits his skill set.

Chris Rodriguez Jr. has a tough challenge ahead

The plan right now for the Washington Commanders is to roll with Antonio Gibson and Brian Robinson in the backfield while Eric Bieniemy works through a training camp QB competition between journeyman Jacoby Brissett and second-year pro Sam Howell.

Ron Rivera and Bieniemy will be fully focused on this season as a new ownership change could force some major changes sooner rather than later. This franchise could change the organizational identity at any point. But for now, Rodriguez fits what Rivera wants.

The Commanders want to use ball control on offense and allow their star-studded front to control the game on defense. With a downhill running game, Rodriguez enters a good scheme fit. Now the tailback will need to earn a roster spot.

Jonathan Williams (29 years old) and Jaret Patterson (23 years old) are also on the roster at tailback. However, neither was a draft pick by the Commanders. Rodriguez will have to beat those two out to make the 53-man roster. That won’t happen unless the Kentucky product can show some special teams value.

A start on the practice squad could be in Rodriguez’s future, but there is turnover coming in Washington. A chance to play and receive carries will come eventually for the All-SEC tailback at a position that will go through some attrition. Rodriguez enters a true scheme fit and could have a good chance to stick as long as Washington does not shift its offensive philosophy overnight.