Oakland Raiders: Chris Warren can make an impact in 2019
Looking ahead to the 2019 season, Chris Warren is among those that have a shot of being an impact player for the Oakland Raiders.
The Oakland Raiders are now one season into the second Jon Gruden era and the ensuing rebuild of the franchise. After a 4-12 record with the number four overall pick in April’s draft on the horizon, the key to future success will be to accrue talent through the draft, make solid free agent signings, and look for players to make more of an impact in 2019.
Among those that will be under contract next season and have a shot of fulfilling the latter goal is Chris Warren. The running back position is one of uncertainty for the Raiders in 2019, and thus Warren has a golden opportunity ahead of him.
At just 22 years old, Warren went undrafted in 2018 before signing with the Raiders back on May 7, 2018. Like so many undrafted free agents, the preseason is perhaps their best and only shot at garnering attention from NFL teams with the larger goal of securing a roster spot, and make no mistake that Chris Warren understood this last preseason.
Warren made a name for himself amongst Raiders fans by running hard and with grit, and it was probably no coincidence given that he chose to don the number 34 on his jersey. Warren had a strong start to his preseason, racking up 86 yards on 13 carries against the Detroit Lions, and having his best outing in the second week of the preseason, going for 110 yards on 18 carries with a touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams.
He proved to be a possible preseason gem that could see playing time come the regular season, but unfortunately the preseason was all the action that we witnessed from Warren in 2018. He had been playing through a knee injury that had been wearing on him, and had ensuing season-ending surgery to correct the issue.
Looking at 2019 the Raiders are still uncertain on the status of Marshawn Lynch (who has a chance of retiring), Doug Martin will be a free agent (unrestricted) as will Jalen Richard (restricted), with only DeAndre Washington additionally under contract.
The Raiders would be wise to bring back Martin, whom filled in will in Lynch’s absence. Jalen Richard is excellent as a change-of-pace back and a threat in the passing game if they retain him, and Washington has seen inconsistent playing time. Marshawn Lynch will ultimately have the final say on his football future. But don’t count out Warren just yet, who made fans notice him just a year ago.
Scott Bair of NBC Sports Bay Area recently provided some insight on Warren, reporting, “He has been healthy for a while now, and is already excited to start the offseason program after a year off. Said he plans to get leaner, take off a bit of weight this winter. Wants to earn a prominent role in 2019.”
Next. Gruden has final say, and Mayock is fine with it. dark
Gruden and this coaching staff will undoubtedly be looking to get younger talent-wise and should be looking at all available options, including those already on the roster. If Warren can achieve what he hopes to do: get healthier, get leaner and shed some extra weight, there is a legitimate shot of him earning a valuable role with this team come 2019.