It took a while but Derrius Guice looks legit. The former second round pick from LSU had a hell of a game against the Carolina Panthers. 10 carries for 129 yards and 2 touchdowns. While Guice’s showing didn’t feature a heavy workload, it did prove that he is explosive. Guice may be on his way to becoming a premier running back in the NFL.
Derrius Guice has everything. Speed, power, physicality, etc. Guice has a chance to be an every down back in the NFL. Guice also caught the ball out of the backfield well. I can’t say it’s too surprising. Guice was part of the 2018 NFL Draft class that also featured Saquon Barkley, Sony Michel, and Nick Chubb. Guice was a 2nd round pick for a reason. He was a very productive back in college.
According to NFL Next Gen Stats, he hit a maximum speed of 19.47 miles per hour on his 60-yard run. Pretty solid for a 4.49 – 40 guy. Guice has been through hell but it was worth the wait. From knee injuries to dropping in the draft for “maturity issues” it seems like Guice is delivering on his potential.
Guice’s game against the Panthers has to excite Redskins fans. He just looks like a number one back. Next year you add Bryce Love to the mix. That has a chance to be a hell of a one-two punch. Bryce Love is lightning fast and Guice can punish you. If the Redskins want Dwayne Haskins to make it, having a lethal ground attack will help.
Who knows how much more Adrian Peterson has left in the tank but you could have a worse mentor on the roster. Chris Thompson also flashes from time to time. The Skins actually have a nice backfield. Add in Haskins and Terry McLaurin and Washington has something to build for the future.
