Washington Commanders

Redskins' rookie RB Matt Jones could take over for Roy Helu as passing down back

Published May. 19, 2015 2:17 p.m. ET

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When the Washington Redskins selected running back Matt Jones in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft, some wondered if selecting Jones was redundant. At 6-foot-2 and 231 pounds, Jones is a big running back even for NFL standards. Of course, the Redskins already have a between-the-tackles bruiser in running back Alfred Morris. However, the Redskins saw something different in Jones on game tape, and it was on display again at the Redskins' rookie minicamp last weekend.

Redskins head coach Jay Gruden talks about what has jumped out to him about Jones so far, and spoiler alert--it's not Jones' size.

“You think of him as a big, power-type back,” Gruden said to reporters after the team's rookie minicamp, “but Matt’s done some things out in space that have been very, very impressive — making moves on the second level, in the passing game, running some option routes on linebackers. He’s got natural hands.”

Although Morris is in line to remain the lead runner and early down back, the Redskins' depth chart has an opening for a third down back and pass specialist. In 2014, that role was occupied by Roy Helu, who is now a member of the Oakland Raiders.

Jones already realizes this opportunity to carve out his role in the offense.“I want to just jump into that and get that role because I didn’t really catch the ball a lot at Florida,” Jones said after Day Two of the Redskins’ three-day rookie mini-camp. “I didn’t have the right college career I wanted.”

For a player to truly earn the confidence to take over this role, he needs to prove himself in pass protection. According to Liz Clarke of The Washington Post, Jones prides himself on his ability and toughness in pass protection.

If Jones does carve out this role, he will be on the field more often than other backs in the same role around the NFL. In 2014, Morris saw 616 of 1,095 total offensive snaps, according to Pro Football Focus. Helu saw 382 of the remaining snaps.

Jones knows the opportunity that lies ahead of him, but his ultimate goal is to become the lead running back on the Redskins.

“I know he’s (Morris) going to be the starter, but we will compete,” Jones said of Morris. “I will compete with anybody who’s in front of me.”

If Jones can take advantage of his opportunities in year one, he may have the chance to compete for a lead back job as soon as the 2016 season. Morris is set to become a free agent next offseason, and the Redskins have not engaged in serious contract talks with his agent yet.

(h/t Washington Post)

Photo Credit: Kim Klement/USA TODAY Sports