Redskins Rookie RB Morris Has Other Ways to Make Team After Hightower Signing

The Washington Redskins re-signing of RB Tim Hightower did more than throw fantasy football cheatsheets into disarray. It took a valuable depth chart spot at running back that might have been ticketed for sixth-round pick Alfred Morris or an undrafted free agent. Morris shouldn't hang his head, as the Redskins appear to have designs on creating other ways for Morris to make the final 53-man roster.

Rich Tandler of CSNWashington.com reports that Morris lined up some at fullback in the team's rookie mini camp earlier this month. Morris can provide value as a backup fullback to Darrel Young, in addition to being a fourth running back on a team that has churned through running backs at an alarming rate over the last two seasons.

Morris is a back with a lot to offer his team, despite a lack of great speed or playmaking ability, and ESPN NFC East blogger Dan Graziano believes the Redskins probably think highly of him after taking him in the sixth round. Even after the Hightower signing, Graziano writes that the Redskins "will surely find plenty of carries and catches and responsibilities for all of them (RBs) as the year goes along."

Morris is well-suited to carry out more of those responsibilities than just carrying the ball or playing backup fullback. His Pro Football Weekly draft scouting report lists "willing, physical, very good blocker," and "praised for special teams ability" under Morris's positives. PFW also thinks Morris is "ripe for a conversion to fullback." Shanahan also coached Morris at the Senior Bowl, so he knew exactly what he was getting when the Redskins drafted him. That well-round skillset was likely part of what drew Shanahan to Morris.

Hightower's signing blocked Morris's path to being the third tailback, but his ability to contribute on passing downs, as a lead blocker, and on special teams should still create a spot for Morris in the regular season. As long as he's on the roster Week 1, Morris has a shot to make a big name for himself as a running back on a Shanahan team no matter his background as an unheralded FB/RB 'tweener - just ask Mike Anderson and Peyton Hillis.