Things remain unsettled at third-down back for Washington. Coaches need to settle on a back who can effectively pick up blitzes, and also provide a spark as a speedy change-of-pace runner and pass catcher.
Over the past three seasons, Washington has used Roy Helu Jr. in this capacity off and on. But he has either struggled to stay healthy, or to execute consistently.
The Redskins in each of the past two offseasons have drafted backs who would seem to fit this bill. But Chris Thompson missed much of his rookie season because of shoulder surgery, and the latest candidate for this job, rookie Lache Seastrunk, is obviously unproven. Seastrunk seems to be more unproven than most rookies because of the fact that Baylor used him in the passing game next to never.
Helu has some quickness, but isn’t necessarily elusive. He has good hands, but he has rarely proved to be the home run threa. He pretty much takes what the defense gives him, as the story says. It's also a new coaching staff so Helu is going to have to impress in camp. It's a situation to watch because most of the offseason reports had the Skins getting the ball more to Helu in what is supposed to be a pass-happy attack. This story makes it seem like his third-down role may not be set in stone.
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