2018 Raiders NFL Draft: Ten value picks in Round 3 and after

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TEMPE, AZ – OCTOBER 14: Running back Kalen Ballage #7 of the Arizona State Sun Devils rushes the football against defensive back Myles Bryant #5 of the Washington Huskies during the first half of the college football game at Sun Devil Stadium on October 14, 2017 in Tempe, Arizona. The Sun Devils defeated the Huskies 13-7. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

This may not be a popular statement, but I’m not impressed with anything the Raiders currently have in the backfield. Because of that, the thinking is they should look at the running back position during the 2018 NFL Draft.

Kalen Ballage’s stock has risen since his senior bowl and combine performances, but I could still see him being available in the third round. He provides an incredible blend of size (6’1, 228 lbs) and speed (4.46 40-yard dash) you just can’t typically find.

His running style is what the Raiders are looking for with their backs. No nonsense, only one cut and go. With how good this Oakland Raiders offensive line is, Ballage could do a whole lot of eating on Sundays.

Better than that, Ballage has great hands and can be a check down option for Carr when he’s in trouble. Like Flowers, Ballage has also lined up in the slot a few times at Arizona State.

The hardest thing to comprehend with him is the lack of production in college. Despite his physical frame, Ballage didn’t dominate in the way would think his measurables suggest. He also runs very upright with little agility in the holes.

In my eyes, his three-down ability and potential still make him a risk worth taking.

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