Raiders’ Chris Warren III: in a ‘dogfight’ for a roster spot

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:

“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.

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.

Be sure to follow us on social media as we continue to bring you the latest in Raiders analysis and opinions! Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

Join The Ramble Email List

3 thoughts on “Raiders’ Chris Warren III: in a ‘dogfight’ for a roster spot”

  1. Terrance Bryant

    I think it’s a roster spot, no matter what if he continues to play at even 75-80% of the production he had in his first action.

    That roster spot could also be on another team…

    I don’t think he’s a player you can stash on the practice squad. Another team will sign him before he even hits his first practice.

  2. I think Richard has earned his spot as the receiving back, if love to keep Washington too bc he’s a better runner than Richard but numbers won’t allow a 4th back. Warren has earned a roster spot as the 3rd back to keep (to replace Marshawn next year as our bruiser) and that leaves Doug Martin getting cut (he’s also more money than keeping Richard and Warren). I’d keep Washington over Martin if we were to keep a 4th back.

Share your thoughts here, Raider Nation...

error: Nice Try!
Subscribe to RaiderRamble

Get updates from RaiderRamble via email:

Join 5,853 other subscribers