After selecting a defensive end to convert to linebacker, a defensive tackle to use as a defensive end, and a playmaking wide receiver, the Redskins finally addressed their running back situation. That came in the form of Roy Helu, the reigning back-to-back Offensive MVP at Nebraska.<\/p>\n
The Redskins thought so highly of Helu that they traded up 22 spots in the 4th round to snag him. Helu became the first of three consecutive Nebraska Cornhuskers selected by the Redskins.<\/p>\n
Coach Mike Shanahan is hopeful that Helu becomes another one of his mid-to-late round running back diamonds in the rough, a la Terrell Davis (5th round 1995), Olandis Gary (4th round 1999), Mike Anderson (6th round 2000), current Redskin Ryan Torain (5th round 2008), and Peyton Hillis (7th round 2008).<\/p>\n
Helu was brought in to help take some of the workload away from Torain and Keiland Williams. Torain battled through injuries despite a having a solid season while playing, and Williams saw some playing time as a rookie in 2010 but is still unproven.<\/p>\n
That said, many are calling him a fantasy football sleeper for when he spells Torain and Williams. He is a versatile back who can catch out of the backfield. He averaged 5.9 yards per carry and 9.3 yards per catch during his four seasons at Nebraska. Helu also ran for 3,404 yards and 28 touchdowns for his career.<\/p>\n
He wowed opponents, scouts and even his own teammates with his standout performance in the team\u2019s eighth game of the season against Missouri. He set a school record with 307 rushing yards on a career-high tying 28 carries and three touchdowns against the Tigers. That game helped put him on the map and make his senior season his most successful.<\/p>\n
Helu is known for his one-cut style and should fit well in the zone blocking scheme but he must improve his pass protection and fumbles. As a 2010 captain at Nebraska, he has a team-first attitude that will fare well for him as one of the many new faces at training camp.<\/p>\n
Edit: This blog was archived in May of 2016 from our original articles database.It was originally posted by Jake Russell<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"