As a fifth-round draft pick, Raiders rookie running back DeAndre Washington isn’t guaranteed a roster spot. But a month before training camp, the Raiders think Washington can make a big impact on their offense.
Raiders offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave says Washington, who ran for 1,492 yards and added 385 receiving yards last year at Texas Tech, can be an every-down back in the Raiders’ offense.
“He’s really worked well for us thus far,” Musgrave said, via the East Bay Times. “So we’re putting him in different situations to get a feel for he’s strengths and how we can tailor plays, tailor situations so he can really flash for us. He’s going to be good in first, second or third down.”
Washington said he isn’t sure what his role will be.
“Right now, I’m just working, just competing,” Washington said. “I think we’ll worry about that down the line, but right now we’re just working and working every day to get better.”
Latavius Murray is entrenched as the starter in Oakland, but Washington may get significant playing time as the No. 2 running back, and play a bigger role than usual for a fifth-round rookie.
