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Oakland Raiders: Potential running back draft targets

By Austin Gayle

Jan 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes running back Ezekiel Elliott celebrates with the trophy following the game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the 2016 Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Buckeyes defeated the Fighting Irish 44-28. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes running back Ezekiel Elliott celebrates with the trophy following the game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the 2016 Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Buckeyes defeated the Fighting Irish 44-28. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Derrick Henry (2) breaks away from Clemson Tigers safety Jayron Kearse (1) to score a touchdown in the first quarter in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Derrick Henry (2) breaks away from Clemson Tigers safety Jayron Kearse (1) to score a touchdown in the first quarter in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /

Derrick Henry, Alabama

If Oakland chooses to go a different route in the first round, Alabama running back Derek Henry is another talented back that could fall to the Raiders at pick No. 44 in the second round.

Henry is a powerful, downhill back that is highly regarded for his ability to bully his way through defenders and wear down defenses. The 2015 SEC rushing leader has a rare combination of size and athleticism that allows him to not only thrive as a short-yardage back, but also effectively carry the load as a bell-cow back down the stretch.

At the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine, Henry reassured NFL scouts that he really was a physical specimen, as he drew comparisons to Super Bowl 50 MVP Von Miller.

https://twitter.com/BroncosViews/status/703375259597217793

At 6’3”, 247 pounds, Henry posted a 4.54-second time in the 40-yard dash, a 37-inch vertical jump, and broad jumped 130 inches.

Like some of the Alabama running backs that have entered the league before Henry (Trent Richardson), he struggles to create running lanes when faced with early penetration and needs to develop his ball carrier vision. Also, Henry doesn’t have the potential to develop into a three-down back at the next level due to his inability to remain effective in the passing game. Fortunately, Henry would have time to develop his skills and properly transition to the NFL if he was brought into Oakland.

If Murray can develop his skills as a pass-catcher, the combination of him and Henry would be a one-two punch that could turn into a fearful two-headed monster in the NFL.

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