Resetting the Las Vegas Raiders biggest needs after free agency
By Evan Groat
Running Back
Some may disagree that running back is a position of need considering Josh Jacobs was selected in the first round of last year’s draft. Jacobs had a phenomenal rookie season, but missed three of the final four games down the stretch with a nagging shoulder injury, and it showed a lack of depth at the position.
Behind Jacobs, the Raiders had very little with Jalen Richard and DeAndre Washington, as both are more of a change of pace, third down back and not a lead dogs. Washington is a restricted free agent so his future with the team is unknown, while Richard was already brought back with an extension.
Rod Smith, who spent three games with the team last year was re-signed to a one year contract in March. Should Jacobs go down with another injury it’s hard to feel confident in a combo of Richard and Smith, so it would not be too far of a reach to believe the Raiders use a later round pick on the running back spot.
The Raiders have three picks in round three and a fourth round pick, and those could be a prime spots to land Florida State’s Cam Akers, AJ Dillion of Boston College, or Utah’s Zach Moss to help spearhead a one-two punch with Josh Jacobs.