Chris Thompson

Thompson missed six games due to injuries both of the last two years, but that's where the similarities between his 2017 and 2018 end. He showed his upside early last season, piling up 221 combined yards and a receiving TD in the first two weeks, but once he returned from rib injuries late in the season, Washington's disastrous QB situation prevented him from making any kind of impact. Thompson's 4.9 YPT and 4.1 YPC were the lowest figures of his career since he established himself as a regular member of the team's backfield in 2015, and while he still flashes speed and elusiveness when he's healthy, he's played a full 16-game schedule only once. With veteran Case Keenum and first-round pick Dwayne Haskins competing for the starting quarterback job, the scatback should at least have a more stable offense around him no matter who wins the gig, but Thompson's utility will depend largely on his ability to avoid the big hits and serious injuries that keep derailing him. There isn't much room for an expanded role on early downs, as Derrius Guice is expected to be ready for Week 1 and Adrian Peterson is back for at least one more season.

Thompson put together his best campaign yet last year, hauling in a career-high 510 receiving yards despite playing in only 10 games, thanks to an eye-popping figure of 13.1 yards per catch, a figure many wide receivers would envy. He also managed 4.6 YPC on the ground, holding his own once again when handed the ball instead of having it tossed to him. Thompson has prototypical scatback size at 5-8, 191 pounds, but he isn't afraid to mix it up between the tackles, using his small stature to hide behind blockers while showing the patience and vision to let holes develop and the burst to get through them quickly. His main strength, though, is as a receiver, and his route running and hands match up with any back in the league. Despite good speed and elusiveness, Thompson's willingness to get physical means he takes too many big hits, and his checkered injury history - including the broken fibula that ended his 2017 season - stretches back to his college days. On a per-game basis, he should be productive with the Washington passing game now in Alex Smith's steady hands, but how many games Thompson will play is the big question.

Thompson stayed healthy in 2016 and the result was, naturally, his best NFL season to date. While his sure hands and strong routes make him an effective pass-catching weapon out of the backfield and allowed him to set career highs in receptions, targets and receiving yards, Thompson proved for the second straight year that his small stature doesn't prevent him from making an impact on the ground as well. He had five runs of 15 yards or more on just 68 carries, the eighth best rate in the league, and he scored his first three rushing touchdowns in the NFL. The elevation of QB coach Matt Cavanaugh to offensive coordinator should keep the focus on the passing game in Washington, and while Robert Kelley and rookie Samaje Perine will compete for early down snaps, Thompson should have third-down work mostly to himself.

While its difficult to make sharp conclusions with someone who plays limited snaps, Thompson's per-play averages from last year do get your attention, and he showed the ability to play in a variety of packages. Washington's RB depth chart is fairly thin as we go to press, which means Thompson by default could have a notable role here. That said, Washington's current front office didn't draft Thompson; he's also coming off January shoulder surgery; and the Redskins seem to be linked to every potential free-agent running back. Thompson's fantasy situation should be much clearer by the end of August; he could be the team's No. 2 back at that time, or perhaps a free agent looking for work. He makes the cut in our profile section because he did put some explosive plays on the field last year.

The third-year back has failed to see the field much in his first two professional seasons, attempting three rushes for 12 yards and catching six balls for 27 yards and a touchdown after being promoted from the practice squad in Week 15. This might be his last opportunity on the Redskins. As a smaller back with a lot of speed, he enters 2015 with an uncertain role. Thompson returned kicks in college and also returned some for the Redskins in 2013, but that role was overtaken by Andre Roberts last season. He’ll likely compete with Silas Redd and 3rd round pick Matt Jones for backup duties to Alfred Morris in 2015.

He has game breaking speed but failed to landed a job in the Washington backfield.

Thompson will look to sneak onto the roster for the Redskins in 2013 with a crowd at the position.