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Measurements: Height- 5'10", Weight- 214 lbs.
Projected Round: 7
Why he would be a good Redskin:
Some are calling him Peyton Hillis, but I see Jacob Hester. Rex Burkhead can be Mike Shanahan's swiss-army knife running back. Passing down back, blocking back, triple option slot-back, fullback, or special teams contributor. Everything outside of the featured back role is well within the realm of possibility for Rex. He is the type of one-cut, plant-and-go runner that Shanahan covets. His dedication to the gym has led him to be labeled as a workout warrior. Among all RB's at the combine, he tested in the Top 5 in 5 of the 7 main workout categories (Vertical and broad jump, 20 and 60 yd shuttle, and the 3-cone drill). To top it off, Rex is widely considered to have a phenomenal football IQ and a sheer passion for the game.
Why he won't be drafted by the Redskins:
He's a jack of all trades but doesn't excel in any one trade. The Redskins will be looking for a change of pace back for Alfred Morris but no one would think the pace would be slower. He ran a very disappointing 4.73 40 yard dash at the combine which is .06 seconds slower than what Alfred Morris ran. His speed and receiving ability do not compare to what Roy Helu Jr. gives you when healthy. He also has some durability concerns after missing 6 games in his senior season due to injury.
Bottom Line:
Mike Shanahan is going to draft a running back, it's just what he does. Evan Royster played well when called upon but he is limited in his versatility. With Roy Helu Jr's health still in question there is a need for a utility running back that can be trusted in various 3rd down situations. Speaking of Roy Helu Jr., he and Rex Burkhead were paired in the backfield in Nebraska from 2009 to 2010. The two seemed to be close friends as Helu Jr. still speaks highly of his "younger role model." Also, we are only two years removed from the Cornhusker Raid of 2011 when Shanahan selected 3 straight Nebraska players (Roy Helu Jr., DeJon Gomes, and Niles Paul). Burkhead brings a lot to the table, and in the later rounds of draft this kind of value is greatly appreciated.