The Washington Commanders were always going to select a running back in the 2023 NFL draft. Yes, the top of Washington’s depth chart is set with Brian Robinson Jr. and Antonio Gibson, but head coach Ron Rivera and offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy wanted to add another back to the stable.
Washington liked Jahmyr Gibbs of Alabama. However, Gibbs went No. 12 overall to the Lions. The Commanders would’ve never selected Gibbs in the first round.
Gibbs wasn’t the only running back Washington liked. And in the sixth round, the Commanders found their guy in Kentucky running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. Rodriguez rushed for over 3,600 yards and scored 36 touchdowns during his time at Kentucky against the best competition in the country.
Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post reported that the Commanders had a third-round grade on Rodriguez.
Also, Bieniemy had significant input into the selection of Rodriguez.
What are the Commanders getting in Rodriguez?
Judge for yourself.