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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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Dec 26, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers defensive back Antonio Reed (16) tackles UCLA Bruins running back Paul Perkins (24) making him lose the ball out of bounds at Levi
Dec 26, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers defensive back Antonio Reed (16) tackles UCLA Bruins running back Paul Perkins (24) making him lose the ball out of bounds at Levi /

Paul Perkins, UCLA

UCLA back Paul Perkins is easily one of the most enjoyable running backs to study in the 2016 draft class, as his ability to make people miss in space is incomparable to nearly all of the other backs on this list.

Perkins, 21, is a shifty scat back that possesses the sudden athleticism necessary to leave defenders staring in the opposite direction as he scampers up the sideline. With ideal quickness and cutting ability, Perkins would excel as a starting running back in the NFL, but his intangibles (or lack thereof) still have him falling short.

“If Perkins had more size and play strength to go with his elusiveness, we would be talking about he or Ezekiel Elliot would be the first running back off the board,” via Zierlein.

At 5’10”, 207 pounds, Perkins lacks the ideal frame needed for an every-down back to excel at the next level, and though he possesses elite elusiveness and agility, he doesn’t have the top-end speed to make up for his small stature. Also, he will likely struggle to transition to the NFL as an effective pass-blocker due to his lack of size and strength, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t willing to put in the effort.

 https://twitter.com/MoveTheSticks/status/709157828678778882

Perkins’ high motor and willingness to do what it takes is what will earn him a shot as a starting running back in this league, but his skillset best translates to an above-average No. 2 back in a tandem role. With that being said, Oakland could pair Perkins with Murray without having to invest high draft picks into the position.

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