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Chris Thompson the NFL's best third-down RB? Jay Gruden thinks so

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 14: Chris Thompson #37 of the Washington Redskins scores a 9 yard touchdown in the second quarter against the New York Giants during their game at MetLife Stadium on December 14, 2014 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

By Brett Whitefield
Posted May 23, 2017 7:40 am EDT • Washington Commanders

When talking about running back Chris Thompson with CSNMidAtlantic.com, Washington Redskins Head Coach Jay Gruden said, “There’s nobody better as a third-down back in my opinion than Chris.”

In 2016, Thompson earned a career-high grade of 65.9, ranking 48th among 62 eligible RBs.

In terms of yards per route run (looking at 43 RBs with at least 28 targets in the 2016 season), Thompson ranked 31st, with 1.13 yards per route run.

An important skill on passing downs, Thompson ranked 51st out of 62 RBs in pass-blocking-efficiency, at 89.7. He surrendered 10 QB pressures on 78 pass-blocking snaps in the 2016 season.

In 2016, Thompson caught 14 of 18 targets on third downs for 112 yards (93 after catch) and one touchdown. He only carried the ball five times on third down last season.

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