With the 143rd pick of the 2016 NFL Draft, the Raiders selected Texas Tech running back DeAndre Washington.
DEANDRE WASHINGTON
Position: Running back
College: Texas Tech
Height: 5-foot-8
Weight: 204 pounds
Selection: Fifth round, No. 143 overall
College career: Washington emerged as a top running back in his last two years, earning all-Big 12 honors in those productive seasons. He proved a productive rusher averaging 5.6 yards per carry in his college career, 5.9 as a junior and 6.4 as a senior. Washington topped 1,000 yards in each of his last two seasons, including 1,492 yards and 14 touchdowns on 233 carries in 2015. His contributions as a receiver can’t be ignored. He had 41 catches for 385 yards and a pair of touchdowns as a senior. He also returned kickoffs as a freshman, which could be an asset to a Raiders team still searching for production in the return game.
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Scouting report: Washington is a strong, aggressive runner despite his lack of height, and was a steady producer in a pass-happy offense. He’s only 5-foot-8, but has strength and power to work as an interior rusher. He can fight through tackles, especially as a receiver after the catch. He could even line up in the slot. Analysts say he’s more of a straight-line rusher, without vision to make dynamic cuts. Small hands also create ball security questions He played well at the Senior Bowl, which helped his draft stock.
How he fits: The Raiders need some help in the running game, as Washington could prove to be a compliment to starter Latavius Murray. He’s a much different build and could offer a real change of pace on the ground and as a receiver out of the backfield. The Raiders have lacked a true third-down back in recent seasons, and Washington could help in that area if he succeeds as an NFL pass protector.