RB Chris Rodriguez Jr., WAS (1 Viewer)

[Gigantor_IA]

Tired of trying to get CRod content from BRob & JCM threads. Holders get in here!

Per @SmolaDS on X

Of the 91 RBs with 30+ carries last year, CRod:
- 5th in yards after contact per attempt
- 2nd in PFF Elusive Rating
- 7th in PFF rush grade

 

[Saint]

Heard on SiriusXM that he is the short yardage goal line back

 

[The Frankman]

I could've sworn he had a thread... I guess I never updated anything because he didn't seem to have enough of a role before outside of the end of the season last year.

Commanders head coach Dan Quinn indicated Chris Rodriguez Jr. is “likely” to handle short-yardage and goal-line rushing duties.

Beat reporter Ben Standig thankfully posed the question with fantasy managers in mind. Quinn complimented Rodriguez’s short-area tackle-breaking ability because it suits the Commanders’ “untraditional” tactic of not using a lead blocker in short-yardage situations. Jacory Croskey-Merritt is still in the hunt for lead back duties but if Rodriguez is set to assume short-yardage duties while Austin Ekeler plays on passing downs, the starter could be left with empty calorie touches between the 20s. Croskey-Merritt is a talented, young player but keep in mind, a wide range of outcomes is in play. Rodriguez makes for a worthwhile bench stash given Quinn’s comments.
- Ben Standig, Twitter (VIDEO)

 

[King of the Jungle]

Heard on SiriusXM that he is the short yardage goal line back

Not the starter, so still a chance for us crazy JCMer fans.

 

[fatness]

Last year, the team had two clearly defined roles, a workhorse back that took the bulk of the carries on first and second down, and a third down back that caught passes and was used in pass protection on third downs and other obvious passing situations. Brian Robinson was the top back for the workhorse back role while Austin Ekeler was the top third down back. Jeremy McNichols was the primary back up for both roles initially, but Chris Rodriguez Jr. earned a spot on the roster late in the season and became Robinson’s back up for the workhorse back role.

Assuming the Commanders want to maintain those roles this season, Ekeler and McNichols should largely be the same as the third down backs, with McNichols potentially taking some carries here and there as he did last season. But the bulk of the workload will now fall on either Chris Rodriguez or rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt. The team could decide to split the workload between them or ride with the hot hand.

Mark Bullock, beat reporter

 

[Ilov80s]

Last year, the team had two clearly defined roles, a workhorse back that took the bulk of the carries on first and second down, and a third down back that caught passes and was used in pass protection on third downs and other obvious passing situations. Brian Robinson was the top back for the workhorse back role while Austin Ekeler was the top third down back. Jeremy McNichols was the primary back up for both roles initially, but Chris Rodriguez Jr. earned a spot on the roster late in the season and became Robinson’s back up for the workhorse back role.

Assuming the Commanders want to maintain those roles this season, Ekeler and McNichols should largely be the same as the third down backs, with McNichols potentially taking some carries here and there as he did last season. But the bulk of the workload will now fall on either Chris Rodriguez or rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt. The team could decide to split the workload between them or ride with the hot hand.

Mark Bullock, beat reporter

That is really unclear. The bulk of the work will go to Rodriqguez or JCM but also Ekekeler will be the 3rd down back. Plus McNichols might play some too.

 

[fatness]

That is really unclear. The bulk of the work will go to Rodriqguez or JCM but also Ekekeler will be the 3rd down back. Plus McNichols might play some too.

1st and 2nd downs -- Rodriguez and Bill.
3rd and 4th downs -- Ekeler and McNichols.
That's about all it clears up.

 

[Ilov80s]

That is really unclear. The bulk of the work will go to Rodriqguez or JCM but also Ekekeler will be the 3rd down back. Plus McNichols might play some too.

1st and 2nd downs -- Rodriguez and Bill.
3rd and 4th downs -- Ekeler and McNichols.
That's about all it clears up.

In other words, a big mess

 

[fatness]

In other words, a big mess

The article from @The Frankman up above is slightly more current and at least answers who they'll have in on short yardage plays.

 

[Bri]

IIRC he was cut last summer and Robinson kept.

 

[Faust]

Dan Quinn just made Commanders' stance on Chris Rodriguez Jr. crystal clear

 

[Faust]

Ben Cummins
Chris Rodriguez is absolutely worth drafting in 17th/18th rounds these past few weeks. Let’s review:

The good:
-Very good rushing production profile at Kentucky
-1,379 yards 9 TDs in 2021
-904 yards 6 TDs in 2022 in only 8 games
-Washington is elite offensive situation for rushing production (why we’re also aggressively drafting Bill)
-5+ TD upside at low cost
-217 pounds

The bad:
-Not a pass catcher at all
-Just 23 catches in past 6 years
-Not a good athlete
-Just 420 rushing yards in 2 NFL seasons

Draft late but temper expectations. And do not use this profile to NOT aggressively draft Bill.

https://x.com/bencumminsff/status/1958917395562582366?s=61

 

[ohio#1eaglesfan]

Thought this guy looked great last year. I think he’s a sneaky pick

 

[Faust]

@UnderdogNFL
Chris Rodriguez Jr. this preseason:

17 rushes
118 rushing yards
6.9 YPC
0 TDs

Bill Croskey-Merritt didn't play in Preseason Week 3.

https://x.com/underdognfl/status/1959327210390921664?s=61

 

[eighsse2]

@UnderdogNFL
Chris Rodriguez Jr. this preseason:

17 rushes
118 rushing yards
6.9 YPC
0 TDs

Bill Croskey-Merritt didn't play in Preseason Week 3.

https://x.com/underdognfl/status/1959327210390921664?s=61

Curious what Underdog's point is with this post. Sounds like they're talking up Rodriguez's stats, but then mention that Croskey-Merritt didn't play in week 3, which is a good thing for Croskey-Merritt, because no starters played.

 

[The Frankman]

Commanders RB Chris Rodriguez spent the offseason improving his speed, losing weight and working on his receiving skills.

Rodriguez spent 2024 floating between the practice squad and active roster, and was told by ST coach Larry Izzo to refine himself physically. He had swelled to 235 pounds following a high-ankle sprain in his 2023 rookie season. Rodriguez, now tipping the scales at 222, said he was clocked at 20-plus MPH “more times in training camp than I have in almost my whole life.” His improved speed was evident on a 40-yard preseason scamper, during which he hit 20.37 MPH. Rodriguez also hired private receiving coach Drew Lieberman, whose résumé includes Brandon Aiyuk and Chase Brown, but unfortunately dropped his lone preseason target. He has just three career catches. Rodriguez is a worthwhile dart throw given his position group’s shifting state and head coach Dan Quinn’s positive comments regarding his short-yardage rushing abilities.

Source: The Athletic

 

[FarFromHome]

Ahhhh. The off-season Player X, finally gets it and puts the time into his body and mind. Ha ha

 

[socrates]

Ahhhh. The off-season Player X, finally gets it and puts the time into his body and mind. Ha ha

Who knew that getting into shape, getting stronger, or working on speed might actually help on the football field?

 

[FarFromHome]

Ahhhh. The off-season Player X, finally gets it and puts the time into his body and mind. Ha ha

Who knew that getting into shape, getting stronger, or working on speed might actually help on the football field?

I've also heard taking the playbook home and looking at it helps. Ha ha

 

[ohio#1eaglesfan]

Favorite lotto ticket this year. All he does it gain positive yards and bulls through defenders. The next Jordan Mason

 

[Ray Barboni]

Favorite lotto ticket this year. All he does it gain positive yards and bulls through defenders. The next Jordan Mason

Got him surprisingly cheap in my dynasty auction this year.

Perfect RB5/6 that has huge TD potential.

 

[Neal Cassady]

Inactive

 

[ponchsox]

Waiver fodder

 

[The Frankman]

Healthy scratch Sunday

Rodriguez (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Giants.
Advice: Rodriguez thus is the odd man out in a Commanders backfield that will be playing without Brian Robinson following his trade to the 49ers on Aug. 22. Instead, some combination of Austin Ekeler, rookie seventh-round pick Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Jeremy McNichols will be Washington's available running backs Sunday. Rodriguez's next chance to suit up will be Thursday at Green Bay.
- Rotowire.com

This is surprising considering he was supposed to have a guaranteed short yardage role. This may be a one off, but it does show he's a low man on the totem pole.

 

[Dez]

He went for $200 FAAB in 1 of my NFFC leagues Wednesday

 

[socrates]

In hindsight, it seems logical that either Chris Rodriguez or Jeremy McNichols would be the odd guy out, and McNichols offers more on Special Teams. Barring an injury to either Ekeler or JCM, it may require Rodriguez to either displace McNichols or the Commanders carry 4 RBs on gameday. However, things can change rapidly, too. I picked CRod up for free in 1 league. I will move on this week.

 

[Ray Barboni]

Favorite lotto ticket this year. All he does it gain positive yards and bulls through defenders. The next Jordan Mason

Got him surprisingly cheap in my dynasty auction this year.

Perfect RB5/6 that has huge TD potential.

Yep. Don’t worry, it’s early. I fully believe this NA was more of a week one, get the vet McNichols the start. He’s the better special teamer as well.

“Bill” did look good though. So CRod may have to pine his time on the bench. Still worth the cost in most leagues - great bench value.

 

[Faust]

Why Commanders' RB Chris Rodriguez Jr. is inactive again despite high praise from Dan Quinn

 

[zed2283]

I'd say that will change next week.

 

[Brunell4MVP]

I don't know. I could see them pursuing a RB. Tunsil quietly restructured his contract to free up $14M in cap space. So they have $30M open now. I could see Peters making some phone calls to teams with RB depth

 

[Uncle Leo]

I don't know. I could see them pursuing a RB. Tunsil quietly restructured his contract to free up $14M in cap space. So they have $30M open now. I could see Peters making some phone calls to teams with RB depth

Needs to call Tampa

 

[ffmail4me]

I don't know. I could see them pursuing a RB. Tunsil quietly restructured his contract to free up $14M in cap space. So they have $30M open now. I could see Peters making some phone calls to teams with RB depth

Needs to call Tampa

Or just give Bill 20 carries and watch good things happen!

 

[steelcityman]

Jerome Ford. He's nothing great, but something you can run out there. CLE should jump at any pick, and with the puncher coming back sooner or later, and sampson looking good, they dont need Ford.

 

[LawFitz]

Rodriguez is better than Ford and just about any RB on the trading block except Tucker. 4.9 career YPC on limited touches, but still. 5'11 224 and came in rocked up and more bursty this year, leading to the team trading Brian Robinson, rather than risking losing Rodriguez.

Fantasy community is sleeping on this dude b/c he was inactive the first two weeks, where rookie Bill received 33 and then 22% of the snaps - and to be fair, looked pretty good. Still though, he's a highly inexperienced rookie, and one bad blocking assignment from yielding to Chris 'the Bull.' Scooping him for at minimum a wait and looksee seems obvious.

:ear to the ground: :hand on the wire:

 

[cockroach]

leading to the team trading Brian Robinson, rather than risking losing Rodriguez.

Yea, they traded their top RB to hold on to this guy so they can make him inactive on game days. 4d chess.

 

[LawFitz]

leading to the team trading Brian Robinson, rather than risking losing Rodriguez.

Yea, they traded their top RB to hold on to this guy so they can make him inactive on game days. 4d chess.

That's not what happened, but thanks for your contribution.

 

[cockroach]

leading to the team trading Brian Robinson, rather than risking losing Rodriguez.

Yea, they traded their top RB to hold on to this guy so they can make him inactive on game days. 4d chess.

That's not what happened, but thanks for your contribution.

What happened then? I'm fr. Please explain your take because it doesn't seem to me like they're itching to get this guy on the field.

 

[Harjiran]

A player's path to significant playing time is not always linear. I can't speak to the coach's decision to deactivate him the first two games (maybe two experienced vets and an exciting rookie ahead of him in the pecking order?) - but that probably won't be the case going forward. Chris Rodriguez passes the eye test for me. Right now he might be their best goal line back but the NFL is a slog and unfortunately players get injured as we've already seen - I think he's just as good a lotto ticket as Sean Tucker, with a clearer path to regular fantasy points starting this weekend. If Bill goes down or falters, CRod could be a league-winner. He's worth a stash for sure.

Preseason Highlights

 

[LawFitz]

leading to the team trading Brian Robinson, rather than risking losing Rodriguez.

Yea, they traded their top RB to hold on to this guy so they can make him inactive on game days. 4d chess.

That's not what happened, but thanks for your contribution.

What happened then? I'm fr. Please explain your take because it doesn't seem to me like they're itching to get this guy on the field.

Yeah, no thanks

 

[cockroach]

leading to the team trading Brian Robinson, rather than risking losing Rodriguez.

Yea, they traded their top RB to hold on to this guy so they can make him inactive on game days. 4d chess.

That's not what happened, but thanks for your contribution.

What happened then? I'm fr. Please explain your take because it doesn't seem to me like they're itching to get this guy on the field.

Yeah, no thanks

I hope he does great. I have him rostered.

I think we're kidding ourselves if we think HE was the reason they cut BRJr, but they're only activating him now that Ekler went down.

They've cut him and added him to the PS a couple times in his career already.

 

[LawFitz]

I think we're kidding ourselves if we think HE was the reason they cut BRJr, but they're only activating him now that Ekler went down.

They did not cut Robinson. After Bill's emergence, they would have had to cut one of Rodriguez or McNichols in order to keep both Bill and BRob on the final 53. They traded BRob in order to keep Rodriguez IMO due to how well the latter played in preseason - he likely would not have made it back to the practice squad this time around. They even stated how he came into camp in awesome shape this year and faster than ever before. I stated that in my original post, which you mocked.

Rodriguez not making the gameday 48 last two weeks had more to do with Ekeler being healthy and McNichols having a passing down role that CRod did not. There is a distiction between making the 53 and the 48, which you don't seem to understand.

 

[LawFitz]

I don't want to spend another moment analyzing or explaining why it made sense to deactivate Chris the last two weeks. That came with a healthy Ekeler getting 47% and 52% of snaps, who is now long gone ROS.

Will the majority of those go to Bill? Maybe. Probably. Ultimately, though, it won't matter how well Bill and Bull performed compared to one another this past off- and preseason. What will matter is who is getting it done in the regular season from here on out. Bill truthers seem in denial that Bull could usurp him but there are plenty of signs here toward that possibility IMO.

Bill is a rookie. Bull is a third year. Bill is 5'11'' 208 lbs. Bull is 5'11'' 224 lbs. Despite two more years of NFL experience Bull is only six months older than Bill. Both backs display good burst and vision, though I give a slight edge on both fronts to Bill. I think Bull runs more angry and with more power. I think Bull will get high-value G/L touches. Some/much of this will be determined by who fumbles or misses a pass block first and most. A lot will be determined by whose body holds up.

Not predicting anything. Loading and watching. And pointing out that there is a guy here who few others are giving any credit to, who is very likely going to get a real chance to grab himself by the horns.

 

[LawFitz]

Tired of trying to get CRod content from BRob & JCM threads. Holders get in here!

Per @SmolaDS on X

Of the 91 RBs with 30+ carries last year, CRod:
- 5th in yards after contact per attempt
- 2nd in PFF Elusive Rating
- 7th in PFF rush grade

These metrics are worth revisiting. As are his highlights from the last two seasons on the yootoobs. Take a moment to indulge in those. Chris the Bull, indeed and obvious, but take a look at that elusiveness rating!... There's another RB in this league who is of similar size and elusiveness. If Scooby Doo were still alive, he'd know him as Rosh Racobs.

 

[fatness]

If Scooby Doo were still alive, he'd know him as Rosh Racobs.

Wait, Scooby Doo is dead? There goes my lineup.

 

[The Frankman]

Chris Rodriguez rushed 11 times for 39 yards in the Commanders’ Week 3 win over the Raiders.

Rodriguez got the start for the Commanders in this one and handled four rush attempts on the team’s first drive. He managed 25 of his 39 rushing yards on that first drive, but was otherwise bottled up on a day that saw the Commanders give three different running backs touches. Rodriguez will continue to remain in the rotation, but his largely underwhelming performance on the ground wasn’t enough to separate him from the pack. Until a clear leader emerges in the Commanders’ backfield, Rodriguez will be one of three backs [and a wide receiver] who will prove difficult to trust in Week 4 against the Falcons.
- Rotoworld

backfield is a hot mess with too many cooks.

 

[ffmail4me]

Chris seems the most JAG of the 3 RBs for sure IMO.

 

[Harjiran]

That run by McNichols though, wow.

 

[Hartliner]

Lead back again? JCM needs to be on the practice field today but I’ll pick up C-Rod now for free.

Sounds like a JAG, but sometimes JAGs have their uses.

Maybe JCM is more talented but also more raw? Pass protects better? Who knows?!

Lets gamble and get a lead RB! or cut him after this week if its nothing.

 

[Hartliner]

Lead back again? JCM needs to be on the practice field today but I’ll pick up C-Rod now for free.

Sounds like a JAG, but sometimes JAGs have their uses.

Maybe JCM is more talented but also more raw? Pass protects better? Who knows?!

Lets gamble and get a lead RB! or cut him after this week if its nothing.

And JCM back at practice…

 

[kyoun1e]

Lead back again? JCM needs to be on the practice field today but I’ll pick up C-Rod now for free.

Sounds like a JAG, but sometimes JAGs have their uses.

Maybe JCM is more talented but also more raw? Pass protects better? Who knows?!

Lets gamble and get a lead RB! or cut him after this week if its nothing.

And JCM back at practice…

Sounds like he's limited though.