Projecting the Raiders 53-man roster after minicamp
By Brad Weiss
Running Back
Marshawn Lynch, Doug Martin, Jalen Richard, Keith Smith (Fullback)
One of the more exciting takeaways from mandatory minicamp was how good Doug Martin looked running the ball. The Muscle Hamster is looking to get his career back on track wearing the Silver and Black, and it looks like he is going to be given that opportunity.
While there were some ramblings about Martin possibly unseating Marshawn Lynch as the starting running back in Oakland, that likely will not be the case. Still, both backs should play a big role on this offense this season, as Gruden loves guys who can mash between the tackles and get the yardage needed to move the chains.
Jalen Richard and DeAndre Washington came into the NFL at the same time, but only one is going to make it to the 53-man roster in 2018. While both bring a little something special to the roster, Richard will likely be the one standing when the team opens up against the Rams, as the Raiders do not have the flexibility to carry both this season.
At fullback, the job is Keith Smith’s to lose, and he will likely hang on to the position all summer long. He is going to be a guy who is key in what Gruden likes to do on offense, and should be able to stave off Henry Poggi during training camp and the preseason to open the season up as the starting fullback.