Raiders GM: DeAndre Washington 'more than just a 3rd-down back'

Oakland Raiders fans may not be familiar with Texas Tech running back DeAndre Washington after the team picked him in the fifth round of the NFL draft, but general manager Reggie McKenzie doesn't expect that to last long.

Washington stands 5-foot-8, about six inches shorter than lead back Latavious Murray, and weighs just under 200 pounds with a burst of speed that screams typical third-down back.

McKenzie is ignoring the prototypical physical features and expects Washington to contribute in the every-down running game.

"DeAndre, he’s more than just a third-down back," McKenzie told 95.7 The Game, according to the team's website. "He can pound it up in there. The Raider Nation will find out fast just how physical he is.

"We think he’s a complete back, and when he gets out in space, he can make you look silly. He can catch the ball, but he can run between the tackles as well as well as bouncing it outside. We think he’s the total package as a runner. We really like him."

The Raiders struggled in the running game behind Murray last season with quarterback Derek Carr's 138 rushing yards sitting second on the team. Washington will get his opportunities to contribute after rushing for 1,492 yards and 14 touchdowns in his senior season.