Positional Analysis: Running Backs

Starter: No doubt about half back, it'll be Clinton Portis. If anyone on the team is safe with their starting position, it's Portis. He's ruthless on the field, especially when pass blocking. He tries to pay back defenders for hits they've put on him. He gives everything he has while he's on the field. It's a great way to play, but also a great way to get injuries, which he usually plays through.

He's slowed down over the years, and doesn't break long runs. Upgrades on the O-line will help him get longer runs, but he has to make some stuff happen on his own. He also has to be willing to share the load so he can last the whole season.

Mike Sellers will be starting at fullback. He's feared as a run blocker and is an effective receiver. His biggest problem is taking care of the ball once he gets it, fumbling in a late game last year. He will hopefully be used more in the offense this year, but if the line is struggling blocking, he'll have to stay in to block more often.

Reserves: Ladell Betts will be the primary backup to Portis. Every year, the coaching staff talks about getting Betts more involved in the offense, but it never happens. I'm thinking this could be Betts last season with the team. He is effective as a pass catcher out of the backfield, but is getting older, losing speed, and becoming a less effective compliment to Portis.

Rock Cartwright is the third running back on the roster, but is really just a special teamer. After an injury to Betts, it looked like Cartwright's number would get called, but the 'Skins opted to bring in Sean Alexander instead. This was mid-season too after no one had wanted to come close to him previously. Alexander is now gone, but Cartwright does have a familiar challenger returning to battle him for the roster spot.

Marcus Mason was signed by the 'Skins after the draft after being released by the Jets. He has spent the last two off seasons with the Redskins and is familiar with the system. He has experience on special teams, and should pose a large threat to Cartwright.

At fullback, there usually hasn't bee backup on the roster, so the backup will probably land on the practice squad. Fighting for the spot are Jonathan Evans and rookie Eddie Williams. Both are very raw players and will have to learn and adjust to the system quickly. My gut would be to see Williams winning the spot merely because he was a draft choice. Last season, Vinny Cerrato kept all ten of his draft choices, even though some seemed to be beaten out. It will be interesting to see if he treats this draft class the same way.