Niner Noise
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2016 NFL Draft: 5 Best-Fit Prospects for Chip Kelly

By Nicholas McGee

Sep 19, 2015; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish offensive lineman Ronnie Stanley (78) prepares to block Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets linebacker Tyler Marcordes (35) at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: RVR Photos-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2015; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish offensive lineman Ronnie Stanley (78) prepares to block Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets linebacker Tyler Marcordes (35) at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: RVR Photos-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 31, 2015; Lubbock, TX, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders running back DeAndre Washington (21) runs the ball against the Oklahoma State Cowboys in the second half at Jones AT&T Stadium. Oklahoma State defeated Texas Tech 70-53. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 31, 2015; Lubbock, TX, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders running back DeAndre Washington (21) runs the ball against the Oklahoma State Cowboys in the second half at Jones AT&T Stadium. Oklahoma State defeated Texas Tech 70-53. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

DeAndre Washington

The 49ers need a running back who can complement Carlos Hyde and Kelly’s offensive scheme works better with a running back who can catch the ball out of the backfield.

With his skills as a receiver and evasiveness as a runner, DeAndre Washington is a late-round guy who can make an immediate difference for the 49ers.

Washington racked up 1877 yards from scrimmage and 16 touchdowns in his final season at Texas Tech, averaging 6.4 yards per carry on the ground.

It is not difficult to see why Washington had such success in college. He has extremely quick feet that enable him to change direction immediately and make multiple defenders miss, as he does on a number of occasions in this series against TCU.

Combining his shifty feet  with 4.49 speed and an ability to finish runs inside, Washington has the tools to become an excellent change-of-pace back in the NFL and has showcased the proficiency on runs to the outside to suggest he can be a contributor in Kelly’s system.

Washington’s elusiveness translates naturally to the passing game, as shown in the play above versus West Virginia. Two of Washington’s scores and 385 of his yards in 2015 came through the air and, if featured in Kelly’s system, there is little to stop him making the same impression in the NFL.

Next: Sterling Shepard