Washington Position Group Breakdown: Running Backs

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July 2, 2026

by David Earl

Washington’s Running Back Group

Washington’s backfield is undergoing a major shift following a season in which Chris Rodriguez Jr. was the team’s most efficient ground weapon, averaging 4.7 yards per carry on 60 attempts before his departure. In his place steps veteran Rachaad White, who alters the dynamic of the offense. While White may not offer the raw, physical power running of Rodriguez and his career 3.9 yards per carry average remains a valid concern, he infuses the offense with an elite pass-catching weapon out of the backfield. This receiving threat serves as the vital piece Washington drastically missed last season after Austin Ekeler was sidelined with an injury.

While some fans and analysts remain enamored by the potential of Jacory “Bill” Croskey-Merritt, his impressive 4.6 yards per carry average from last season warrants a closer look. For example he completed his campaign with 175 carries for 805 yards, yielding a strong 4.6 yards per carry average but removing his one carry for 72 yards Croskey-Merritt totaled 174 carries for 733 yards thus instantly lowering his season average down to 4.21 yards per carry. Now Kaytron Allen’s running style could pose a potentially significant threat to Jacory “Bill” Croskey-Merritt’s touches due to his down-to-down consistency and being more a natural running in vision and footwork. This is one position group offensivr coordinator David Blough will need to work around their weaknesses while utilizing their strengths and not become too predictable.

Jacory Croskey-Merritt  5’11”, 208lbs, 25 age

  • 2025 Stats: 175 carries for 805 yards (4.6 avg), 8 TDs (long 72); 9 rec for 68 yards (long 28).
  • Fit in Blough offensive scheme: Croskey-Merritt profiles as a strong lead back with good vision and burst that align well with a zone-heavy run scheme featuring gap opportunities and outside stretches. His rookie production shows he can handle volume while creating explosive plays, making him ideal for an offense that relies on establishing the run to set up play-action passes. With added development in the passing game, he can contribute more on check-downs and routes from the backfield in a motion-rich, versatile system.
  • Limiting Factors: His limited involvement in the passing game as a rookie makes him a predictable early-down asset, which can tip off opposing defenses to a run play when he is on the field. Additionally, his running style occasionally lacks the elite, high-end speed needed to consistently turn long gains into touchdowns at the NFL level.

Rachaad White  6’0″, 214lbs, 27 age

  • Career Stats: 677 rushes for 2,656 yards (3.9 avg), 14 TDs; 205 receptions for 1,450 yards (7.1 avg), 11 TDs.
  • 2025 Stats: 132 carries for 572 yards (4.3 avg), 4 TDs (long 39); 40 receptions for 218 yards (5.5 avg or similar), 0 TDs.
  • Fit in Blough offensive scheme: White brings proven receiving skills and pass protection that make him a natural fit for a creative backfield that uses players in multiple roles across formations. He excels on third downs and in space on screens or designed routes, while his patience as a runner supports zone concepts and draw plays that complement a play-action heavy passing attack. This versatility allows him to serve effectively in committees or as a primary option in an offense that stresses mismatch creation through motion and quick adjustments.
  • Limiting Factors: He has a tendency to dance in the backfield instead of hitting the hole decisively, leading to inconsistent yardage gains on basic inside-zone runs. Furthermore, his career rushing average of 3.9 yards per carry highlights struggles with running through contact and generating yardage when blocking breaks down.

Jerome Ford  5’10”, 210lbs, 26 age

  • Career Stats: 340 rushes for 1,463 yards (4.3 avg), 7 TDs; 107 receptions for 647 yards (6.0 avg), 5 TDs.
  • 2025 Stats: Limited role with 24 carries for 73 yards (3.0 avg), 0 TDs; 26 receptions for 103 yards (4.0 avg), 0 TDs.
  • Fit in Blough offensive scheme: Ford’s speed and elusiveness suit him for rotational duties in an offense that incorporates outside runs, counters, and pre-snap motion to create favorable angles. His ability to contribute as a receiver adds value on quick screens and swing routes, helping stretch defenses and support play-action looks. In a system that values complementary pieces, he can spell starters effectively while exploiting open space in both the run and pass game.
  • Limiting Factors: He frequently struggles with vision and patience, often missing open rushing lanes by trying to bounce plays to the outside too quickly. His drop-off in production during the 2025 season also raises concerns about his ability to stay efficient and reliable when relegated to a smaller rotational role.

Jeremy McNichols  5’9″, 205lbs, 30 age

  • Career Stats: 189 rushes for 846 yards (4.5 avg), 6 TDs; 74 receptions for 518 yards (7.0 avg), 1 TD.
  • 2025 Stats: 44 carries for 221 yards (5.0 avg), 1 TD (long 60); 25 receptions for 196 yards (7.8 avg), 0 TDs.
  • Fit in Blough offensive scheme: McNichols offers toughness and efficiency that shine in short-yardage situations and as a reliable option on passing downs within a multifaceted run game. His receiving experience allows him to handle routes and protections that free up other weapons, fitting well into an attack that blends power runs with creative designs and play-action. As a veteran depth piece, he helps maintain balance and provides dependable production in specialized packages.
  • Limiting Factors: His smaller stature and physical build limit his durability, making him a major injury risk if forced into a heavy, high-volume rushing role. At 30 years old, he also lacks the breakaway speed required to consistently create explosive plays out of the backfield.

Kaytron Allen, Penn State 5′ 11″, 218lbs, 23 age

  • Strengths: He processes fronts well and exploits cutback/gap lanes effectively. Excellent contact balance as he bounces off arm tackles and wears down defenses late in games. Good ball security (low fumbles career-wide) and rarely loses yardage.
  • Weaknesses: Lacks breakaway/long speed and gets caught from behind on longer runs. Relies solely on power over finesse in the open field or tight areas. Not a reliable third-down or check down option as he also struggles with expanded routes.
  • Fit in Blough offensive scheme: Allen’s patient running style, vision between the tackles, and ability to handle volume make him a solid fit for a zone and gap scheme that emphasizes establishing the run early to open up play-action opportunities. His power and consistency as a downhill runner support an offense that mixes formations and motion while relying on physical, between-the-tackles carries to control the clock and set up creative passing concepts.
  • Limiting Factors: Relatively modest receiving production in college suggests he may need time to develop as a consistent check-down or route-running option in a system that values versatile pass-catching backs. Lack of elite long-speed or sudden explosiveness could limit his impact on big outside runs or in space against NFL athleticism.

Robert Henry Jr., University of Texas at San Antonio, 5′ 9″, 196lbs, 24 age

  • Strengths: Highly patient and instinctive zone runner who excels at reading blocking designs and maximizing running lanes. Displays impressive contact balance, routinely bouncing off initial defenders and running through weak arm tackles in tight areas. Flashes natural hands out of the backfield, showing the upside to develop into a reliable target in the short passing game.
  • Weaknesses: Possesses an undersized physical frame that limits his overall durability and capability to handle a heavy, high-volume NFL workload. Struggles heavily with technique and physical leverage in pass protection, making him a major liability when asked to block oncoming blitzers. Lacks an elite second gear, which limits his long-term developmental ceiling as an older prospect entering the league.
  • Fit in Blough offensive scheme: Henry’s decisiveness, vision, and home-run ability align with a creative backfield that uses motion and outside zone concepts to create lanes for explosive plays. His compact build and burst suit change-of-pace or complementary roles where he can exploit mismatches in space on screens and draws within a balanced, play-action-oriented attack.
  • Limiting Factor: Smaller stature and limited overall build may hinder him in pass protection or sustaining drives against stacked boxes in a physical run scheme. Average burst and potential durability questions in a crowded room could restrict consistent early-down opportunities in a system favoring versatile, multi-tool backs.
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