Commanders 'Pretty Excited' by Chris Rodriguez Jr. Selection, Says Ron Rivera
The Washington Commanders have a new running back in the form of Kentucky's Chris Rodriguez Jr. Taken in the sixth round, Rodriguez will be looking to move up the depth chart Eric Bieniemy's offense.
With Brian Robinson Jr. and Antonio Gibson forming a good one-two punch last season, with the addition of Rodriguez, the Commanders now have another back capable of being a great option for Sam Howell.
And according to head coach Ron Rivera, the running back room just got better.
“[We] feel very good about what we have with AG [Antonio Gibson] and we continue see the growth and development with B-Rob [Brian Robinson]," Rivera said. "I mean, those are two young guys that we like a lot.
"Adding a physical player in Christopher is a guy that, talking to Eric and what Eric wants to do and how he wants to use him, in Eric's mind, this is a guy that will fit what he wants. We're pretty excited about being able to pick him. We had a higher grade on him too as well. So, we thought we got a lot of value here.”
Rodriguez played five years for Kentucky, and despite only having one 1,000-yard rushing season, he still brings plenty to the table.
With Robinson Jr. being Washington's main threat on the ground, getting help in the form of Rodriguez will give Bieniemy's offense another gear. Robinson Jr. is the physical back for Washington, but with Rodriguez, that load can be elevated to help freshen the second-year running back up to do more damage out of the backfield.
Washington no doubt feels good about selecting Rodriguez, and Bieniemy already has plans for him next season. Everything is coming together rather nicely in the nation's capital, isn't it?
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