Position, Team, NFL Draft Spot: RB, Oakland Raiders, 5.04
Dynasty Positional Rank: 55
Redraft Target Round: Late round selection
Analysis: The NFL Draft was full of late round talent, especially at the running back position. Teams had no problems waiting until later in the draft for running backs because of the depth of the position. In the fifth round, the Oakland Raiders started a run on running backs, as they selected DeAndre Washington.
Washington’s skill set could help him into an immediate third down role for the Raiders, but he’s going to have to win the position in training camp and pre-season. The Raiders running backs were targeted 125 times last year, so Washington will make an immediate impact if he’s able to win that job. He has extremely productive during his college career, as he averaged 6.2 yards per touch over four seasons. He also has big play ability, but he may not receive much of a chance to get on the field during his rookie season.
Washington is a great dynasty prospect, especially in PPR leagues. It likely won’t take him long to win the backup running back job before Latavius Murray, and he’s a player that will likely have a role in his second season. He has the ability to catch a ton of balls out of the backfield, but he’s also an underrated runner. Washington is a great dynasty prospect because of Murray’s injury concerns, as well. He may never be the lead back on a team, but he does have more than enough upside to warrant consideration in dynasty leagues.