ASHBURN — With their third-round selection, the Washington Commanders went back to a familiar place as they drafted Alabama running back Brian Robinson Jr. with the 98th overall pick.
Robinson is the team’s second straight pick from Alabama, and Washington’s roster has other Crimson Tide alums in Jonathan Allen, Daron Payne and Cam Sims. By taking Robinson, the Commanders add a big sturdy back to complement starter Antonio Gibson and third-down back J.D. McKissic.
At 6-foot-2 and 225 pounds, Robinson is “built like a linebacker,” according to an NFL Network scouting report. But he was productive at Alabama — particularly during his senior year when he earned a career-high 274 carries for 1,343 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2021.
Despite adding quarterback Carson Wentz in March, Washington coach Ron Rivera recently noted the importance of his team being able to continue to run the ball effectively. Washington’s best stretch of last year’s disappointing 7-10 season came when the Burgundy and Gold shifted to a run-heavy, ball-control-style offense and were able to grind out games as a result. The Commanders ranked 10th in rushing attempts and 12th in rushing yards last season.
Robinson will now factor into the team’s running back rotation. He could come in particularly useful in short-yardage situations. Veteran Peyton Barber previously served in the role during the 2020 season before being cut prior to the start of last year.
According to the NFL Network, Robinson has good feet and power, but can be predictable when running.
Robinson joins defensive tackle Phidarian Mathis as the team’s two picks from Day 2. The Commanders were not slated to have a third-round pick entering the draft — they had previously sent theirs to Indianapolis for Wentz — but gained the 98th pick when they traded down from No. 11 in a deal with the New Orleans Saints.
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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