Meet Chris Warren III, he’s an undrafted rookie from the University of Texas, who was one of three players to sign with Oakland following their rookie mini-camp in May. It was expected that Marshawn Lynch, Doug Martin, and either Jalen Richard or DeAndre Washington would fill out the running back position for the Raiders this year. Warren is doing everything he can to change that.
You may remember Warren as the guy who trucked Lions linebacker Jarrad Davis during a joint practice. If not, check it out here:
Don't make it easy. 💥 https://t.co/7ktacubhkZ
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) August 9, 2018
“I heard a sound,” said Derek Carr. “Haven’t seen Chris’s run, but I heard it was pretty awesome.”
Warren has been a bright spot throughout camp and is now looking the part after a stellar preseason opener. The rookie running back impressed in college as he averaged 5.6 yards per carry, and scored 13 touchdowns in three seasons. In his final year, the Longhorns decided to also stick him at tight end, but he’s insisted on being a running back in the NFL.
Matt Walks of Raiders.com shared this tweet.
so lemme get this straight — texas wanted to make chris warren a tight end? 😬
— Matt Walks (@mgwalks) August 11, 2018
Just like any other undrafted rookie, Warren must continue to raise eyebrows throughout the preseason if he wants a chance at making the active roster. In the first preseason matchup, Warren rushed for 86 yards on 13 carries for an average of 6.6 yards per carry. Warren was successful in breaking off runs of 26 and 19 yards. Although it won’t show up in the box score, his blocking was very good as well.
Warren is in a dogfight for the third or fourth running back spot with Jalen Richard, DeAndre Washington, and Doug Martin. Washington was solid on Friday as he tallied 38 yards on 6 carries. Richard managed just 13 yards on 5 carries but caught 4 passes for 35 yards. Martin, however, was not utilized much with one carry for three yards.
Warren has been a long-shot to make the roster since his signing but if he keeps playing like this, he’s going to give Jon Gruden and Reggie McKenzie a pretty difficult decision to make. If he’s not on the active roster, I expect him to land one of the ten practice squad spots.
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