How Lache Seastrunk Fits with Washington Redskins

The Washington Redskins weren't shy about pursuing a change-of-pace runner prior to the 2014 NFL draft. Now the team has one in the form of sixth-round pick Lache Seastrunk.

The former Baylor ace will add a speed-based complement to the bruising running of Alfred Morris, himself a sixth-round pick in 2012.

Seastrunk is a diminutive burner, standing just 5'9" and weighing 201 pounds. He posted a 4.51 40-yard dash time at the combine, according to his NFL.com draft profile page.

The Washington ground game needs Seastrunk's shifty acceleration. As dominant as it has been, the Morris-led, zone-based rushing attack has lacked a player who can outrun pursuit outside the hash marks.

Seastrunk, blessed with a litany of elusive moves, is dynamic enough to produce big gains on the edges, as CBS Sports analyst Dane Brugler highlights:

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Runs light and quick with active, fluid footwork to easily change directions...balanced with a low center of gravity and will lower his pads to barrel into defenders - runs close to the ground and finishes with toughness...explosive lateral burst to juke defenders and quickly redirect his momentum with strong cuts...very slippery and silky runner between the tackles to avoid contact...terrific acceleration and top-end speed to run away from defenders, flashing a second gear in the open field...good football character and attitude.

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Speed is the key word with this pick. Put Seastrunk in the backfield next to a fully healed Robert Griffin III and defenses will have to respect Washington's ability to turn short runs into significant gains.

Seastrunk and Griffin were brief teammates at Baylor in 2011. The former has experience with the type of quick pace that suits Washington's dual-threat quarterback best.

But if there's a problem with this pick, it's that Seastrunk doesn't answer the need for a productive pass-catcher out of the backfield. A multipurpose, third-down back was clearly a target.

Washington pursued Darren Sproles during free agency, according to Bleacher Report columnist Mike Freeman. The team also met with draft prospect Charles Sims, per ESPN.com writer John Keim. The Redskins were also in attendance at Marion Grice's pro day, according to azfamily.com reporter Brad Denny.

But if head coach Jay Gruden wanted a receiver out of the backfield, he's hardly got one in Seastrunk. The player caught just nine passes in 2012 and made zero receptions in 2013, per cfbstats.com.

Washington needed greater speed in the backfield and a complement for Morris. Seastrunk can give them both.

It's just a shame he's not much of a receiver.