Why Our Favorite NFL Teams Should Draft RB DeAndre Washington

DALLAS COWBOYS by Drew

Out of any of the Cowboys needs involving a Texas Tech fill-in, this is the one. Just recently Dallas signed Alfred Morris to a 2-year deal and Darren McFadden along with Lance Dunbar only have contracts through 2016. So after this coming up season Dallas will technically only have Morris under contract going into 2017. Washington could be a guy the Cowboys take in the later rounds, maybe the 4th or 5th. He was able to showcase his skills at the Senior Bowl and the NFL Combine and proved he's the real deal.

OAKLAND RAIDERS by Jonathan

Washington has shown the past 2 seasons that he can be a 1,000 yard rusher as well as be a threat in the passing game. He is reliable in pass protection and works hard for the team. The Raiders are looking for a back to complement Latavius Murray, and were unable to land one in free agency. Deandre would give Derek Carr a threat out of the backfield, and a good safety valve.

MINNESOTA VIKINGS by Kyle

For the casual NFL fan, one thing comes to mind when the Minnesota Vikings are mentioned; Adrian Peterson. Ever since entering the league in 2007, he has been the best running back in the game. He was about two carries away from breaking the NFL’s single season rushing record, he broke the record for most rushing yards in a game with 296, and he was the league’s MVP a few seasons back.

So why in the world would the Vikings need a running back like DeAndre Washington? Peterson is going on 31 years of age, and his contract is ludicrous. It’s not a matter of if the Vikings will part ways with him eventually, it’s a matter of when. And running backs in the NFL simply don’t last much beyond age 30.

The only other running backs on Minnesota’s roster are Matt Asiata and Jerrick McKinnon.

Asiata is a converted fullback entirely lacking the overall athleticism that makes Peterson so amazing. Vikings fans have a saying about the bruiser Asiata: Need two yards? He’ll get you three. Need four yards? He’ll get you three. That said, Asiata may have a role as a goal line back or change of pace player, but not as an every down back.

McKinnon is scary fast and athletic. Towards the end of last season he also showed an ability to catch passes well coming out of the backfield. He’s undersized and also probably not an every down back.

DeAndre Washington would be a great pick by the Vikings because his more well-rounded skill set would be a perfect complement to Asiata’s power and McKinnon’s speed. Washington could learn behind Peterson for one season, then take over as the starting back in two seasons, with McKinnon and Asiata brought in as role players.

Adrian Peterson is the greatest Vikings football player of this generation. But when he moves on, which I think will be relatively soon, I would love to see a Red Raider fill his shoes as Minnesota’s every down back.

WASHINGTON REDSKINS by Ryan

The Redskins said goodbye to Alfred Morris this season, opening up a spot in their RB stable. Matt Jones seems to be the lead back going into next year with Chris Thompson as the 3^rd down back. Though Washington is not as large as a prototypical NFL running back, he has shown he can run in between the tackles against some of the best defenses in the country. Washington did have ACL surgery in 2011 and missed all of the 2012 season, but had strong seasons each of the last three years including two 1,000+ yard campaigns in 2014 and 2015.

Washington is another low-risk, high reward prospect who will most certainly go after the 4^th round. Morris was found in the 6^th round and this maybe another great pickup for the Redskins.

Should DeAndre Washington be drafted by your favorite team instead? Let us know why in the comments!