2018 NFL Draft: 5 running backs to watch after first round

The Oakland Raiders may add to the running back position during the 2018 NFL Draft, and here are five backs they should consider after round one.

The 2018 NFL Draft is only two months away, and with the NFL Scouting Combine on the horizon, we decided to take a look at some running backs who could fall to the Raiders after the first round. In 2017, Marshawn Lynch took over the role as featured back for Oakland, and while he could be back in the saddle again in 2018, there is also uncertainty about his status for the upcoming season. Guys like DeAndre Washington and Jalen Richard still dot the roster, but the Raiders may want to bring in some fresh legs via the draft.

With their first round pick in April, Oakland is likely to bolster the defensive side of the ball, with Roquan Smith of Georgia as the favorite right now. In the following rounds, the organization will have to fill more holes on the roster, and running back will be a big one if Lynch is no longer in the plans. With that said, lets take a look at some running backs who could be available to the raiders after the first round.

During his time with the Oregon Ducks, Royce Freeman broke a ton of rushing records, establishing himself as one of the best to ever do it at the school. A former five-star recruit, the back rushed for over 1,000 yards in three of his four seasons with the Ducks, finishing his career with over 5,600 yards. Freeman also scored more than 15 touchdowns in three of his four seasons, while finding the end zone on the ground 60 times in his illustrious career.

At 6-foot, 238 pounds, Freeman is a big body back, whose game should translate nicely to the NFL. The Ducks All-Time leader in rushing touchdowns, he has the ability to not only run around people, but also over, and was counted on a lot during his senior season. Oregon had to battle for most of the season without their starting quarterback, which makes his tremendous senior campaign even more special.

Freeman is expected to fall to possibly the third round, so there is a good chance the Raiders could pick him up if they are high on him. The 22-year old is extremely durable, missing only one game in his college career, and his big body enables him to be very valuable blocking in the passing game. He could wind up being a three-down back in the NFL, and would be a nice fit for what the Raiders need him for on offense.