LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 12: Running back Chris Thompson #25 of the Washington Redskins makes a catch during the second quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at FedExField on November 12, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)

Alex Smith is now quarterbacking the Washington Redskins. To ensure that he can find success, the team has to make sure he has pass catching options out of the backfield.

Over the course of the past five years, Alex Smith has steadily been one of the NFL’s above average quarterbacks. The new Washington Redskins signal caller was acquired from the Chiefs just a couple of weeks ago, and he is now set to take over for Kirk Cousins as he departs. Smith figures to be a solid replacement option, but to make sure he can succeed, the team has to make sure that he has quality weapons around him.

Previously, we spoke of the need to add a speed receiver to give Smith a Tyreek Hill type player. However, the team also has to ensure that they have quality pass catching options at the running back position as Smith has thrived when paired with pass catching backs in the past.

During Smith’s five seasons with the Chiefs, he heavily targeted his running backs. In 2013, Jamaal Charles was the team’s leading receiver with 70 catches. While part of that may have been a function of poor weaponry surrounding him, it is still telling that Smith threw to Charles over 100 times in that season.

Over the course of the next four years, Smith only had one year where a running back was lower than fourth on the team in total receptions. Most recently in 2017, Kareem Hunt and Charcandrick West were third and fifth respectively in terms of receptions. And the Chiefs offense was operating very well this year, so it’s clear that having these types of playmakers in the backfield can do a lot for Smith.

The reason for this is because Smith’s deep ball accuracy can come and go. Sometimes, he throws some of the best deep balls in the NFL. Last year at the beginning of the season, his downfield ability was off the charts and led many to believe he was an MVP candidate. However, as the year went along, his arm talent waned a bit and that caused the offense to sputter. What got them back on track were the short passes out of the backfield that the running backs were able to turn into big plays.

In Washington, Smith already will have a very talented passing back in Chris Thompson. Last season, Thompson was arguably the Redskins’ offensive MVP in the first half of the season before he suffered a broken fibula against the Saints. Thompson demonstrated game breaking ability and had numerous huge plays off screen passes. With Smith in the fold, a healthy Thompson figures to be one of the top receiving options for the team, and he could be primed for a huge year. That is, if he can stay healthy. He didn’t have major issues with health before this year, so he figures to play a nice role in the backfield.

At the same time, the Redskins should protect themselves in the event that Thompson does get hurt again. They need a new lead back for their offense anyway, unless they truly believe Samaje Perine can take the next step, so getting one in the draft could suffice.

One big name to keep an eye on is Sony Michel. The Georgia product has been an effective runner and receiver despite operating in a time share with Nick Chubb, so perhaps the team could try and get him if he makes it to their second round pick. If not, Akrum Wadley could be another quality option for the team.

Either way, the Redskins have to make sure they add a versatile running back in the draft. They have to give Smith a potential three-down starter with pass catching ability. If they can do that, they will open up more opportunities for their passing offense to move the ball.