Will the Commanders obtain another possible starting running back this offseason?
Al Galdi, on his podcast, discussed the Commanders’ need for running back with The Draft Network’s Ryan Fowler on Friday’s episode.
Following discussing if Adam Peters would select a running back in the first or second round, Galdi then asked Fowler directly, “What is your analysis of the Commanders current RB1, Brian Robinson, Jr.? Is he a true NFL RB1, Or not so much?”
“I think he is still talented, Al, I really do,” replied Fowler. “But there is too much of the Clinton Portis, run into the back of the lineman, for me, however.”
“Fowler continued his criticism of Robinson’s running style, “I just think the foot fire, the vision, the creativity as a runner is just not there, especially the last two months of the year.”
Brian Robinson Jr came to play today pic.twitter.com/BvsQr2KNW1
— brandon (@JayDanielsMVP) January 19, 2025
“There were a couple of runs against Tampa Bay, a couple against Detroit. There was nothing against Philadelphia. It was Jayden Daniels or nothing in the ground game in the last really month-and-a-half of the year.”
“I think Brian (pause) I don’t know really what is going on internally with him, or maybe defenses have figured something out. He is just not the athlete that can create in the creases for himself. I’ve said it multiple times; I still think he was one of the more underrated backs in football.”
“But as I see more of him, as defenses watch tape and see what they want to do in certain situations, how you work off blocks… Flat out, right now, it is just not good enough for this Commanders’ offense that is going to be one of the premiere offenses in football, moving forward.”
This is certainly not an endorsement of Robinson’s running style. Clearly, the running back position struggled in 2024, as quarterback Jayden Daniels finished the season as the top rusher with 891 yards. Robinson followed with 799, Austin Ekeler (367), Jeremy McNichols (261), and Chris Rodriguez (173).
Day 2 of the draft will involve rounds two and three. Fowler said he very much sees there being several running backs selected on Day 2 of the 2025 NFL draft.