The Washington Commanders upgraded the offense surrounding Jayden Daniels this offseason, including adding Deebo Samuel and bulking up the offensive line. However, the running back room was largely untouched.
Washington didn't draft a back until Jacory Croskey-Merritt in the seventh round and didn't sign a veteran in free agency, leaving Brian Robinson the clear No. 1 heading into the season.
Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury has liked what he's seen from the back heading into Year 4.
"Yeah, he's been really focused," Kingsbury said last week, via the team's official transcript. "The biggest thing that came out of last year I think was that any of the guys that we asked to go in and play, played at a really high level."
Kingsbury noted that the offense is a "pretty loaded group." The OC also added that Austin Ekeler is expected to still play a key role, and Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez Jr. respond when called upon. However, Robinson profiles as a workhorse back this season.
"B-Rob's a guy who has played an incredibly high level. I thought early in the year when he was really healthy, he was what we expect him to be, and the focus this offseason has been great," he said. "He knows what this year means to him and can mean to us when he plays at that level."
Robinson averaged a career-high 4.3 yards per carry in his first year in Kingsbury's offense but doesn't bring an explosive element. The 26-year-old generated a career-high 799 yards and eight touchdowns on 187 totes in 14 games in 2024.
Adding a veteran could be an option in Washington as the season approaches. Croskey-Merritt could be a wild-card speed option for Kingsbury. One thing to track this season is how much the OC will use Samuel out of the backfield, especially if Robinson doesn't come out of the gate on fire.
Entering a contract year, Robinson is the clear lead back in Washington entering June. With improved blocking, he could be more effective in 2025.
