Denver Broncos: The most impressive undrafted rookies in the AFC West

DENVER, CO - AUGUST 11: Running back Phillip Lindsay #2 of the Denver Broncos runs into the end zone for a fourth quarter touchdownn against the Minnesota Vikings during an NFL preseason game at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on August 11, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - AUGUST 11: Running back Phillip Lindsay #2 of the Denver Broncos runs into the end zone for a fourth quarter touchdownn against the Minnesota Vikings during an NFL preseason game at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on August 11, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next
LOS ANGELES, CA – AUGUST 18: Chris Warren #34 of the Oakland Raiders runs the ball during the second half of a preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on August 18, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – AUGUST 18: Chris Warren #34 of the Oakland Raiders runs the ball during the second half of a preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on August 18, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

Chris Warren III, RB, Oakland Raiders

The pattern of stud running backs emerging from this year’s rookie crop should come as no surprise.

There were 20 running backs selected in this year’s draft and the three guys on this list could have very well made it 23 in hindsight.

It’s possible that no rookie running back is showing out more than Chris Warren III in Oakland with the Raiders.

Warren is a massive back, listed on the Raiders’ website at 6’2″ 246 pounds.

He’s essentially the same size as Derrick Henry, and is proving himself to be a very capable all-around back. Some are even calling him the future at the position for the Raiders.

The son of former NFL Pro Bowl running back Chris Warren (prominently with the Seahawks) played his college ball at Texas but didn’t play nearly as much as he should have.

He had eight total touchdowns (six rushing, two receiving) in his final season with the Longhorns, but didn’t touch the ball even 10 times per game. In fact, not even close. He touched the ball just 89 times, so he nearly scored every 10th time he touched the football.

He’s taken that production to the next level with the Raiders, opting for the NFL instead of transferring to a new school.

He’s got 196 yards on 31 carries for the Raiders in two preseason games.

This kid is going to be a stud, and unfortunately, the Broncos are going to have to face him twice a year.