The competition to become one of the Redskins top four running backs heated up Friday night. All and all only four running backs received carries, but maybe we're starting to grasp a clearer picture of who may make this squad. Here is our original handicapping pre-Free Agency:
1. Ryan Torain
2. Roy Helu
3. Keiland Williams
4. Evan Royster5. Chad Simpson6. James Davis7. Shawnbrey McNeal8. Andre Brown
Here is how they rank now:
Tim Hightower (UP/10): Timmy was in full on beast mode Friday night racking up 44 yards on ten carries. He should be the opening day starter.
Ryan Torain (DOWN/8): Torain missed the first preseason game with a broken hand, he is still likely to be part of Mike Shanahan's running back rotation.
Evan Royster (UP/6): Royster gets a slight bump above Helu just because of his workload at this point. There have been mixed reviews for the Virginia native. I wasn't overly impressed but Royster was able to put together 66 yards on 15 carries.
Roy Helu Jr. (DOWN/6): Helu did well in a role I expect to see him in all year (10-15 carries). He registered 28 yards total, but was able to rattle off a 18 yarder in the second half. I was clear he can't get by on speed alone.
BELOW THE CUT LINE
Keiland Williams (DOWN/4): It's not totally clear what position Williams is auditioning for. He wasn't able to get any carries but he did register a catch for 5 yards and played some fullback.
Shaun Draughn (UP/3): Was the only other RB to touch the field with two carries for two yards.
James Davis (NC/2): The speedster did not get an opportunity to play Friday.