Grading the Washington Commanders pick of RB Brian Johnson Jr.

The Washington Commanders selected Brian Robinson Jr. with their third-round pick (98th overall). Let’s break it down and grade the move.

The last pick of night two for the Washington Commanders came in the third round (98th overall). With that spot, they snagged running back Brian Robinson Jr. out of Alabama. Let’s break down the selection and grade it.

First, we need to address the same thing as last time. The Commanders have a few big needs. This really doesn’t feel like one of them. They already have Antonio Gibson and J.D. McKissic.

Gibson had some issues last year. The fumbles were troubling, and at times he was struggling to get going in games. However, he also had some massive games that reminded everyone just how electric he can be. Can’t imagine Washington doesn’t plan on having him in their plans heavily moving forward.

Meanwhile, McKissic is one of the best pass-catchers at the position. He’s an elite third-down back. And the Commanders just signed him to a new multi-year contract this offseason. In fact, Buffalo Bills fans can tell you all about that. McKissic was set to sign with them before changing directions and heading back to Washington.

So this doesn’t feel like a position of need. Washington could’ve used some help in the secondary or at the linebacker position over anything else. Some offensive line help wouldn’t have been bad. And a tight end or quarterback would make plenty of sense too.

Because of all that, the overall grade is going to take a hit.

All that being said though, Robinson Jr. has a lot going for him. At 6’1″, 228 pounds he’s an absolute unit bowling ball of a running back. He also put up monster numbers in his final year at Alabama, racking up 1,343 yards on 271 carries (5.0 YPC) and piling up 14 touchdowns.

He could be a great short-yardage guy. Getting you those third(or fourth)-and-shorts, and racking up the goal line scores. Robinson Jr. could be more than that too though.

If Gibson’s fumbling issues continue, and if he puts up some more of those struggle outings – maybe we start to see more of Robinson Jr. getting touches.

There really aren’t many “weaknesses” in his game. Not a blazing runner, but outside of that there’s not much to not like about Robinson Jr. on the field. Can Washington find a way to utilize him?

The Commanders have a lot of needs, and running back isn’t one of them. So while Robinson Jr. is a great pick-up at the position, there was just so much more you could’ve done here.

Final Grade: C+