NFL Preseason 2018: 6 Unsung rookies dominating thus far

RALEIGH, NC - SEPTEMBER 01: Jerod Fernandez #4 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack tackles Kendell Anderson #23 of the William & Mary Tribe during their game at Carter Finley Stadium on September 1, 2016 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

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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) /

2. Chris Warren, RB, Oakland Raiders

Like they say, everything’s bigger in Texas and that applies for the 6-2, 246-pound running back Chris Warren III. If you’re a fan of a player with bloodlines, his father was the original “Beast Mode” for the Seahawks. From 1992-95 the elder Chris Warren was a three-time Pro Bowl player who rushed for over 1,000 yards in that four-year span. The apple apparently doesn’t fall far from the tree.

Warren III has dominated the preseason, leading the league with 196 yards. He’s averaged over six yards per carry in back-to-back games, including his 110-yard performance against the Rams. Against the Lions, he proved he didn’t need many carries to be effective, taking 13 for 86 yards. There hasn’t been any rookie more dominant than Warren on the offensive side of the ball.

Warren is a dangerous, old-school, power runner with solid play speed and quickness to take it the distance. He doesn’t go down easy and makes defenders pay. The Raiders have a decent backfield led by veteran Marshawn Lynch, but there’s a downhill-running rookie looking to earn some carries.

Warren’s dominance could warrant a lot more playing time. And he’ll likely be the reason behind Doug Martin being cut. If the Raiders want to punish opposing teams, there’s probably no better option on their roster this side of Lynch.

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