Derrius Guice is an elite prospect capable of changing the Redskins fortunes in the run game

Derrius Guice, RB
School: LSU | Conference: SEC
College Experience: Junior | Age: 20
Height / Weight: 5-11 / 218 lbs
Projected Draft Status: 1st Round
NFL Comparison: Doug Martin

College Statistics

Player Overview

College football fans got a taste of how special Derrius Guice was in 2016 when he filled in several games for Leonard Fournette who was injured. Guice ran wild on his opponents and often piled up games of 100+ rushing yards with averages sometimes well north of 5 yards per carry. Leonard Fournette got drafted in the first round and Guice got his chance to show what he could do as the lead dog this past season. He didn't disappoint. Though Guice was a bit banged up with a “nagging” knee injury throughout the season he still produced on a high level.

I can’t reveal anything new to those that have followed Guice that they don't already know. He has a rare blend of speed, power, and elusiveness and had a consistently high level of production despite below average QB play and a below average offensive line. Guice is one of two running backs in this draft that can turn around a rushing attack for the better with his talent alone.

Strengths

• Elite blend of size, speed, and power. Guice is well built, has great top-end speed, and puts his head down and converts that speed to power very well when grinding out yards.
• Decisive with his decision making, rarely exhibits hesitation when space is in front of him. Great vision to find space and is patient enough to follow his blocks and shows great burst at the LOS to get through the first level.
• Has great elusiveness and overall wiggle between the tackles.
• Runs with great balance and is hard to get to the ground without help.
• Improved ball security this season and only recorded 1 fumble.

Weaknesses

• Pass blocking leaves a lot to be desired. He is a feature back but will come off the field for 3rd and longs.
• Pass catching needs to improve he had some pretty embarrassing drops this year.
• The nagging knee injury could be a concern but at this stage its not validated.

Let’s see his work:

More Derrius Guice videos

How He Would Fit On The Redskins

If healthy and if given the opportunities I can see Guice become a 1,000-yard rusher in his rookie year. His strengths are what the Redskins lack overall in their current group of rushers. I even think he could accomplish the feat with the current offensive line group (with the now common caveat of if healthy). As a pure runner Guice is ideal for a power rushing scheme like the Skins implement. He has the body type and power to take and dish out punishment and the speed and athleticism to make the chunk and splash plays the Redskins have been missing on offense. LSU has produced a number of talented physical backs over the past few years. My only concern with Guice is how long it is going to take him to refine his pass blocking and receiving skills that would be him a true 3 down player.