Las Vegas Raiders 7-round mock draft after first wave of free agency

Josh Jacobs is by no means threaten to be dethroned as the Raiders’ starting running back. But, Gruden is in position to add an additional back alongside Jacobs and Richard. Most importantly, the Raiders offense needs a rusher who can pick up the short-yard downs who runs with authority. Vanderbilt’s Ke’Shawn Vaughn projects as a mid to late-round pick who would fit the bill for what the Raiders need in a powerful back.

Vaughn is a downhill runner who uses his vision effectively when navigating traffic. His change of direction isn’t the best as he is somewhat tight hipped. However, for the role that he’d be utilized in for the Raiders, Vaughn would be primarily asked to run north and south. His build of 5’10”, 214 pounds equates to a ground and pound runner just as he showed throughout his college tape.

Outside of Jacobs and Richard, the Raiders most recently brought in Rod Smith to join the running back room. Smith, who joined the Raiders mid-season last year, appeared in three games but never received a carry. Smith doesn’t rank among those to be a lock once the team breaks training camp from Napa, CA, so bringing in another running back through the draft is definitely in the cards to make these two guys compete for the last running back spot.