Samaje Perine Could be Washington’s Future Workhorse
Rob Kelley had a heck of a freshman season in D.C. However, that kind of production will be difficult to replicate, and Perine could supplant Kelley on the depth chart should he struggle.
Former Oklahoma running back Samaje Perine heard his name called in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft Saturday. The Washington Redskins used the 114th overall pick in the draft to bring Perine into the backfield stable.
Although Perine gained north of 1,000 yards on the ground in every season as a Sooner, his yards and attempts decreased each year. Don’t be fooled by that fact, however, since the decline in attempts coincided with Joe Mixon earning more carries.
On the bright side, Perine concluded his career in Norman as the Sooners’ all-time leader in rushing yards. He also never averaged less than 5.4 yards per carry in his college career. That efficiency could very well translate to the professional level.
The question is, can he be that effective again? Even if he can, why not get a bruiser like Perine to complement the sophomore halfback? Selecting Perine does not suggest that the Redskins aren’t confident in their current starting running back. It’s more of an insurance policy in case Kelley cannot reproduce similar numbers to his breakout season.
There is no question that Perine has what it takes to compete at the next level. He’ll also see his fair share of snaps in his rookie season this fall, regardless of whether or not he supplants Kelley.
However, the entirety of the football world knows how unstable the running back position hasn’t been stable for the Skins. Alfred Morris shocked the world with an elite campaign a few years back. Matt Jones stole carries from Morris, and eventually, Morris left Washington. Last year, Jones fell out of favor, and Kelley stepped up.
Of course, Kelley could be the end of the carousel behind franchise quarterback Kirk Cousins, with Perine as a change of pace man. However, Perine may end up being the next man up tasked with carving himself a long-term role in Washington if Kelley disappoints.
Don’t sleep on the Oklahoma product. Perine could put up over 1,000 yards in his rookie season should he take over for Kelley. The fourth-rounder has the potential to deliver far more than his draft status suggests. The question is, when? Only time will tell.