Shoes to Fill: 10 Possible Redskins Starting Running Backs for 2011

Clinton Portis was an icon for the Washington Redskins.  Every era must come to an end, as we so learned with Monday's release of the seven-year Redskins feature back.  Portis left a legacy in Washington with his powerful runs, his leveling blocks and his humorous interviews.  In his final two years on the Redskins, he fell to the injury bug and never regained his once-dominant form.  

Clinton Portis was a shining light in a dark era for the Washington Redskins.  The reason for the wear and tear on his body came from the effort and strength he dedicated to the team.  He carried the team on his back into the playoffs twice in 2005 and 2007, and although it was time for him to leave, he will be missed.  Portis leaves the Redskins as the second-best rusher in team history, and filling his shoes will be a difficult task for next year's starter.  The real question is, who will that be? 

1. Ryan Torain (Current Redskins Starter)

In late April of 2010, Mike Shanahan brought the injury-prone Ryan Torain to the Redskins roster only to release him from the team less than a month later.  Thankfully, that wasn't the end of the story.  The former Broncos backup was brought to the Redskins' practice squad and soon promoted to the 53-man roster.  

In Week 3, against the Rams, Torain saw nearly as many touches as the Redskins' famed starter Clinton Portis.  This had quite a few people scratching their heads.  No one was scratching their heads a week later when Torain barreled Eagles' DB Quintin Mikell and galloped into the endzone.  

In 10 appearances and only eight starts, Torain led all Redskins rushers with 742 yards and 4 rushing touchdowns.  He also accumulated 125 receiving yards and 2 receiving touchdowns.  If Torain can stay healthy, he would be a good option for the Redskins starter in 2011. 

2. Keiland Williams (Redskins Reserve Back)

As the once number one overall high school running back in the nation, Keiland Williams played for the LSU Tigers during their National Title run.  Williams was signed to the Redskins as an undrafted free agent following the 2010 NFL Draft.

As a rookie in 2010, he debuted to backup Ryan Torain in the Week 5 matchup against the Green Bay Packers.  Just a few weeks later, Williams found himself as the Redskins starter with the injuries of Clinton Portis and Ryan Torain.  

He played his best game against the Philadelphia Eagles where he recorded 89 yards rushing and 3 touchdowns.  He was most valuable in the receiving game and did fairly well in pass protection.  Although it would be a stretch to name him the starter, Williams is a young talent that would be nice to have in reserve. 

3. Mark Ingram (University of Alabama)

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PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 07: Running back Mark Ingram #22 of the Alabama Crimson Tide runs with the ball against the Texas Longhorns during the Citi BCS National Championship game at the Rose Bowl on January 7, 2010 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Jeff

Ingram was one of the main reasons the Alabama Crimson Tide won the BCS National Championship two years ago.  The 2009 Heisman Trophy winner came into the 2011 Combine as the projected best running back and a possible Top-20 pick.  

Due to a mediocre showing, many question whether he is still first-round material.  If Ingram fell out of the first round and was available for the Redskins in the second (highly unlikely), that would be a steal for a team with a void at the position.  The Redskins could also stretch and take him at 10th overall, however that would be foolish and a waste of a quality pick.

4. Mikel Leshoure (University of Illinois)

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CHICAGO, IL - NOVEMBER 20: Mikel Leshoure #5 of the Illinois Fighting Illini runs against the Northwestern Wildcats closes in during a game played at Wrigley Field on November 20, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. Illinois defeated Northwestern 48-27. (Photo by

Mikel Leshoure is a player that some have put as first round talent, but there's a good chance he will slip to the second round.  He is ranked as the second-best running back behind Mark Ingram in the 2011 NFL Draft.  If the Redskins were able to pick him up in the second round he could be a good fit for them.  

He has a rushing style similar to Portis, but has the second gear that Portis never had.  He is a little more agile than Portis was, even in his younger days.  How Leshoure would fit behind the zone blocking scheme would be interesting to see. 

5. Ryan Williams (Virginia Tech)

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CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 04: Ryan Williams #34 of the Virginia Tech Hokies against the Florida State Seminoles during their game at Bank of America Stadium on December 4, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

Ryan Williams did well at the combine and is probably the best running back available for the Redskins at 41st overall.  He is an elusive back that can turn on the afterburners in a hurry.  Virginia Tech ran a lighting quick offense with Tyrod Taylor and Ryan Williams.  

If Washington is interested in a back that can make one cut and be gone, Ryan Williams is the guy.  Coupled with Torain as the power back, they would make for a dynamic two-prong rushing game. 

6. DeAngelo Williams (Carolina Panthers)

DeAngelo Williams is the best rusher to hit free agency this off-season.  He played well in Carolina, but under new management, the player will most likely be let go in favor of Jonathan Stewart.  In 2008, his only full year as the starter, Williams racked up 1,515 yards rushing and 18 rushing touchdowns.  

The following year, Williams only appeared in 13 games but still rushed for over 1,000 yards.  If he can avoid another injury, he is a player that could step into Washington as the guaranteed replacement for Clinton Portis.

7. Michael Bush (Oakland Raiders)

Michael Bush was drafted in 2007 by the Oakland Raiders, but was listed as "Physically Unable to Perform" due to a leg injury.  He returned back to action in 2008, however he fell on the depth chart to become the Raiders third-string running back.  

Bush saw playing time last year due to a Darren McFadden injury and performed well enough to get his name recognized by teams with rushing problems.  Bush might not be ready to assume the role of a starting running back but would do well in a two-back system.  His off-the-field character is questionable as he was arrested for drunk driving on February 13th.

8. Darren Sproles (San Diego Chargers)

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SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 5: Darren Sproles #43 of the San Diego Chargers looks on from the field against the Oakland Raiders during their NFL game at Qualcomm Stadium on December 5, 2010 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images)

The "little guy."  Darren Sproles was effective for the San Diego Chargers but was never thought of as a starting back due to his size.  The infamous LaDainian Tomlinson stole any thunder that Sproles might have gained as his backup.  In 2010, with the departure of Tomlinson, Sproles was still unable to be the starter with the emergence of rookie Ryan Matthews and Mike Tolbert.  

Sproles wouldn't be able to land the starting job in Washington but would make a good one-cut speed back.  Although he has been in the league for five years, he still has a lot of mileage, as he has not had as much playing time as other backs his age.

9. Pierre Thomas (New Orleans Saints)

Pierre Thomas will probably be best remembered by his touchdown in Super Bowl XLIV.  He has become the running back Reggie Bush never was.  Although he has never been a full starter for the Saints, he was able to accumulate nearly 800 yards in just six starts in 2009.  Pierre Thomas would probably serve best in a two-back or even three-back system if the Redskins were to look into acquiring him this off-season. 

10. Ronnie Brown (Miami Dolphins)

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MIAMI - DECEMBER 19: Running back Ronnie Brown #23 of the Miami Dolphins is upended by the Buffalo Bills at Sun Life Stadium on December 19, 2010 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Marc Serota/Getty Images)

Ronnie Brown has had an interesting role in Miami.  He has been part of their Wildcat offense and has shared the starting job with Ricky Williams.  The Dolphins are planning on putting Brown out on the free agent market this off-season, and he could be a solid pickup for any team in need of a running back.  

Brown might not be good enough to be a starter for the future, but could serve well as a plug-in for the time being.  This would give the Redskins time to focus on more important positions on defense.