The Washington Redskins had one of the most anemic running games last season, as they finished the 2017 campaign 28th in the league with only 90.5 rushing yards per game. That dearth of production on the ground was also why the Redskins spent a second-round pick in this year’s draft on LSU product and running back Derrius Guice.

Guice is not expected to spend plenty of time on the sidelines, as the Redskins do seem intent on giving him the keys to the backfield as their projected starter next season, according to ESPN’s John Keim.

Guice will make a big impact from the get-go. The Redskins made it clear they wanted to upgrade the running back position — aside from third-down back Chris Thompson. So it would be surprising if someone other than Guice opened the season as the starter. He runs with violence and can create extra yards because of his style, something the Redskins have wanted.

In his last year in Baton Rouge, Guice rushed for 1,251 yards with 11 touchdowns.  Prior to that, in his sophomore year, he had his best season in LSU, burning rubber for 1,387 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns.

If there’s one concern for Keim, however, it’s that he’s unsure whether Guice will be able to adjust right away in order to become a reliable passing target.

Guice's main on-field obstacle will be the passing game. LSU did not incorporate its backs in the pass game like other schools. Guice showed good hands when needed, but to become a productive every-down back, he'll also have to handle the protections — both in terms of understanding where blitzers are coming from and then from executing.

Derrius Guice is still not a lock to be Washington’s starter, as he still needs to connivingly prove himself to be the right man for the job against the likes of Samaje Perine and Rob Kelley, but he’s the safest bet to take the first handoff for the Redskins this coming season.