Redskins add potential starter at RB with Samaje Perine

The Washington Redskins have selected running back Samaje Perine out of Oklahoma in the fourth round (114th overall) of the 2017 NFL Draft.

The prolific Sooners back could be the starter for the Redskins next season, as Matt Jones was rumored to be on the trading block heading into the draft.

The 5-foot-11, 233-pounder is arguably the strongest running back in the draft, pushing up 30 reps of the bench press at the NFL combine. He set the NCAA record for most rushing yards in a game with an incredible 427-yard performance in 2014 against Kansas.

Rob Kelley took over as the Redskins' starter toward the end of last season, but Perine will certainly have the chance to supplant him as the lead back.

Samaje Perine Bio

Position: RB
School: Oklahoma
College Experience: Junior
Height: 5-11
Weight: 233 lbs.

Strengths

• Powerful body with the playing style to match it, can carry the workload as a between-the-tackles runner.
• Explosive, even if he's not the fastest straight-line runner.
• Cuts, changes direction well in second level.
• Decisive runner, sees the hole and hits it immediately.

Weaknesses

• Lacks finesse, relies on ability to run through defenders instead of making them miss.
• Has been hampered by lower-body injuries, which is particularly concerning since he's reliant on ability to generate power from lower half.
• Didn't appear to have same spring in his step in 2016, lost some playing time to Joe Mixon.

Combine Results