Raiders sign undrafted free agent fullback Chris Warren III after minicamp tryout

With few roster spots available, the Raiders had to really like what they saw from players during rookie minicamp. One player they clearly liked was former Texas running back, Chris Warren, whom they signed to a rookie undrafted free agent deal Monday, according to his agent.

The 6-2, 247-pound fullback averaged 5.6 yards per carry with 13 total touchdowns the past three seasons for the Longhorns.

If his name sounds familiar, it should. His dad Chris Warren II played in the NFL for 11 years, named to the Pro Bowl three times (1993-95) with the Seahawks.

Warren III was once one of the most highly sought after high school recruits in the nation. He never quite had a chance to live up to that billing, appearing in just 12 games his first two seasons with his sophomore season cut short by a knee injury.

Last season his yards per carry total dropped from 6.3 yards per carry his first two seasons, to 4.4, and he switched to tight end late in the year. He also caught 18 passes for 229 yards and 2 touchdowns.

His 4.69 40-yard-dash is not great for a running back, but respectable for a fullback/H-back. His 25 bench press reps was third at the combine, his 6.98 3-cone was seventh, and his short shuttle was 5th (4.18).

He would figure to be a different type of fullback to that of Keith Smith or fellow UDFA Nick Sharga.