Larry Posted February 16, 2015 Share Posted February 16, 2015 I'm seeing some interesting discussion about the Skins' options at the RB position. I thought it might be something that we could talk about, and which many of us might actually have opinions about. (Despite the fact that I think we all agree, the discussion is about the backups.) As I see the "depth chart", right now, we have: 1) AlMo. He's #1. He's going to stay the #1. (Although this is his last year of a rookie contract.). 2) Helu. But, he's a UFA, right now. 3) I'd assume it's Redd. Although I assume we can argue about the ranking of these last two. 4) Thompson. Now, I assume Helu is the guy who we'd rank as #2. But he's not under contract. Having said that, though? I don't really see anybody else in the NFL throwing millions at him. (Although I do think he rather demonstrated the ability to be a receiver out of the backfield, this year. I don;t see anybody offering him starter money. But I could see somebody else offering a backup role.) Thompson? When we first picked him, I did my usual extensive research. (Watch a YouTube highlight reel). And the dude sure looked like a potential game breaker. Dude looked fast. Like DJax kinda fast. But, he also had a reputation for getting injured. (That's why we were able to draft him, so late.) And, after two seasons in the NFL, he's really cemented that reputation, too. Redd? To me, I don't recall really seeing anything that made me say "wow". But reading a quick article about him, I see that he's supposedly a contributor on special teams. And seems a lot more likely to be there, on game day, than Thompson. Redd looks like much less of a gamble, to me, than Thompson. Now, one thing that I think the Redskins have actually done rather well, lately, has been negotiating contracts. I'm thinking that the right approach to try, here, is to see if we can work out some kind of agreement with Helu, where he tests the market, and then if he gets offers, he invites us to match them. I don't anticipate him getting any really spectacular offers. He gets to find out what the rest of the NFL thinks he's worth, and then both the team and the player get to stay with the team they're used to. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Morrison J Posted February 16, 2015 Share Posted February 16, 2015 Let Helu go. If he can be kept on the cheap then I have no objections to keeping him but its not worth paying a 3rd down back big money. Draft a running back in the middle rounds somewhere who can catch the ball. Let him go into an open camp competition with Thompson for that 3rd down back role. I really like Thompson, just his health is an obvious concern. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chump Bailey Posted February 16, 2015 Share Posted February 16, 2015 I would hope we would be looking to extend Alf. He seems primed to have a big year and destined for a large role in the future with our power rush scheme change and a GM that knows how to build an OL to suit it. Let Roy go Keep Redd Draft SC RB Mike Davis Should take care of the position for the foreseeable future I think... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leonard Washington Posted February 16, 2015 Share Posted February 16, 2015 We need a faster version of Morris or a shiftier version of Helu. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fearlessNelms Posted February 16, 2015 Share Posted February 16, 2015 Build a good o-line and the running back position will take care of itself. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bishop Hammer Posted February 16, 2015 Share Posted February 16, 2015 I don't know Fearless that line idea is so crazy it just might work? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Conn Posted February 16, 2015 Share Posted February 16, 2015 Why would you ever extend a RB's contract? Cap space should never be dedicated to a vet RB's contract, just draft a mid-round RB every year or two. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bonez3 Posted February 17, 2015 Share Posted February 17, 2015 Well, the pro bowl made it obvious AlMo is a receiving RB But seriously, we/re good there, just bring in some competition. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Warhead36 Posted February 17, 2015 Share Posted February 17, 2015 Helu is a fine 3rd down back. He's fast and has good hands. I'd like to bring him back. But if not, there are speedy undersized backs available in the draft every year so I wouldn't sweat it. If we do let Helu go I'd like his replacement to be able to return kicks/punts. Redd is the perfect backup to Morris. Keep him. Thompson is just a guy. We can let him walk and find a dozen guys just like him in the draft. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TK Posted February 17, 2015 Share Posted February 17, 2015 This guy. Audio is NSFW so you may want to watch it on mute. LOVE his 2nd gear as he busts through the D Line. Reminds me a lot of Portis. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Braxford Posted February 17, 2015 Share Posted February 17, 2015 Imho, RB is a position where the Skins have consistently had good players after Gibbs I. Terry Allen, Stephen Davis, Clinton Portis, Alfred Morris. I will even throw Helu in there as a quality back, but not a the level of the others I mentioned. I would like for the team to keep Helu, he has shown the ability to catch and run after the catch. He is also a decent back in the run game. Versatile. If he wants a fair contract, I think the Skins will offer him one and they will keep him. If he is not willing to sign at a fair contract then gotta look a the draft. Thompson is just too injured, I would say give him one more year though to see if he can be healthy. I think Redd is a solid back up to Morris. So, try to sign Helu to a fair contract, give Thompson one more year ( or at least camp to compete). Depending on what happens with Helu, take a mid round (4th to 5th round if value is there) pick or try to find a quality UDFA for camp competition. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bonez3 Posted February 17, 2015 Share Posted February 17, 2015 Gurley a top 10 talent in NFL past. Given reduced value of RBs, I still don't see him making into 2nd round. He's gonna be a player for sure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TK Posted February 17, 2015 Share Posted February 17, 2015 Gurley a top 10 talent in NFL past. Given reduced value of RBs, I still don't see him making into 2nd round. He's gonna be a player for sure.I believe he's coming off an injury & may sit a year. Which allows you stash him till Morris's contract is up & then roll with Redd/Gurley in 2 years. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peregrine Posted February 17, 2015 Share Posted February 17, 2015 Yeah, with a guy like Gurley, because the position is such a strength, I think it would be wise to take that chance and stash him for a year. We dont need him now, but we may need him next year. If we find out next year we need a guy like that, and we have to find someone to plug in day one its going to be costly. I think with positions of strength, if you plan far enough ahead it is far less costly too you and allows you to use resources on other areas. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darc Requiem Posted February 17, 2015 Share Posted February 17, 2015 I like Helu but you his pass pro is suspect. You can't have a 3rd Down back that suspect in pass pro. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RemoveSnyder Posted February 18, 2015 Share Posted February 18, 2015 Gurley a top 10 talent in NFL past. Given reduced value of RBs, I still don't see him making into 2nd round. He's gonna be a player for sure. I'd range him between 22 and 35. And that's including the ACL. I could see him going as early as the teens though. Lastly, per positional value, we've seen the renaissance revival of running, pounding, teams make it to championships. That always seems to destabilize the cliche market. Couple that with this particular class, it would be unwise to ignore the position. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gibbs Hog Heaven Posted February 20, 2015 Share Posted February 20, 2015 The Butler is one of my 3 favourite current Redskins. Love the guy. But I'd honestly be shopping him around to see what the market is. As I would EVERY player with the sole exception of 10. If Mac truly believes he has what it takes to be the guy we paid such a fee for. If he doesn't, then hawk him too. It's what a 4-12 team does. It's what a team in a true rebuild mode does, If they are truly serious about rebuilding. You stock pile draft picks and hopefully, at the end of a three year draft cycle, you have a solid group of quality young guys. Your core Redskins as the Great Man used to say. And at 27 through season, if there was ever a time to cash in when his value is at it's highest, it would be now on AlMo Hail. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alexa Posted February 20, 2015 Share Posted February 20, 2015 I think we're fine at rb. I'd try and re sign Helu. He's a pretty good player and we're short on those. I know Redd looks good and all but he's got a fumbling problem. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bedlamVR Posted February 20, 2015 Share Posted February 20, 2015 I really like Almo but the RB is a funny position it is easy to overspend on a guy who drops off a cliff in terms of production I would maybe look to sign him this year to maybe a 2 year extension (but a significant pay rise for a former 6th round pick) and explain the situation. - Helu I like for his versatility and explosion on the field - he is a good complementary back - but I have the feeling he is not an every down back and if he is used more in that way he will wear down. I also think he is a poor blocker. - I would like him back but I am not spending a ton to do so... Redd maybe something good or might not - I only really remember him in the Jags game in mop up duty and it is not a great way to evaluate a guy. He is third on the list and he will be battling the next guy up. Thompson - Mehh - He will wow everyone in the preseason and looks great in shells and shorts but if anything I actually liked Lache better last season and I think he is still on the Titans but little fast guys who are under developed in the passing and blocking game tend to be a dime a dozen at the end of every draft. I still think the RB position will continue its recent decline - The Seahawks being an exception - most teams are looking more to the fast pace fast break offense score more points than you and for that you need the ball in the air. I would be interested in Gurley if he fell to the 2nd..- or within trading distance. He would be an interesting pick up - but I am not sure that gels with the drafting philosophy of the FO - and there is a chance that someone else will take a shot at him if he hangs around ... but lets hope for some combine work out warriors to shoot up the draft boards... I am quite old fashioned I like a strong running game, good defence and a QB who does not throw games away - Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LetMeSeeYourWarFace21 Posted February 20, 2015 Share Posted February 20, 2015 Like I said during training camp, let Helu go, or make him the 3rd down back. And if our coaching staff dont think that a particular rookie RBs can not replace Helu because of blocking ability, DONT DRAFT THEM. Dont draft them just to have them come in and do a good job and then cut them because they cant block. And put C- caliber Helu as the #2. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LetMeSeeYourWarFace21 Posted February 20, 2015 Share Posted February 20, 2015 I think we're fine at rb. I'd try and re sign Helu. He's a pretty good player and we're short on those. I know Redd looks good and all but he's got a fumbling problem. He's JUST ok. Let him go. Would really like to see us bring in a back with some REAL speed, and let him compete for that #2 spot. Keep Redd, hopefully @ the #3 spot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TexasSkinsFan Posted February 20, 2015 Share Posted February 20, 2015 This draft is loaded with RB talent. It's the strength of this class. I do not expect Helu to return, Darren Sproles Jr. will go somewhere else. Which will leave Morris, Redd, and Thompson on the roster and I do expect them to draft a RB this year. Gurley a top 10 talent in NFL past. Given reduced value of RBs, I still don't see him making into 2nd round. He's gonna be a player for sure. He will go to the Cowboys and replace Murray, its what I'm hearing a lot of people say around here Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Est.1974 Posted February 20, 2015 Share Posted February 20, 2015 Given that the value of RB's in free agency has generally tanked, I'm not that worried about Almo reaching the end of his rookie contract. I think its very feasible that we can re sign him at fair value next year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sportjunkie07 Posted February 20, 2015 Share Posted February 20, 2015 This draft is loaded with RB talent. It's the strength of this class. I do not expect Helu to return, Darren Sproles Jr. will go somewhere else. Which will leave Morris, Redd, and Thompson on the roster and I do expect them to draft a RB this year. He will go to the Cowboys and replace Murray, its what I'm hearing a lot of people say around here I agree. I haven't done my usual studying on draft prospects yet, but there are some really good rbs at the top. Do you have any mid round prospects that you like? I feel this draft will be the one that changes the "devaluing" of the rb. And those that get these players in round 1 or 2 will be rewarded for the gamble. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larry Posted February 21, 2015 Author Share Posted February 21, 2015 As to the draft, I think I'd be really upset if we pick a RB in the first three rounds. I'm not saying we've got three Pro Bowlers on the roster. (Although we do have one.) But there's sure a lot of other positions we need, a whole lot worse. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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