The Las Vegas Raiders have their workhorse running back in Josh Jacobs, but they could be in the market to draft one in the 2020 NFL Draft.
One of the brightest spots in the Las Vegas Raiders 2019 season was their run game, and rookie sensation Josh Jacobs specifically. By seasons end, Jacobs had tallied 1,150 yards on 242 carries, 4.8 Y/A and seven touchdowns. All of that coming in 13 games, as he missed some time due to a fractured shoulder he played through in Week 7 against the Green Bay Packers and continued to play through throughout the season.
Despite the progress and bright future the Raiders have at the running back position, one thing was apparent by the seasons end as well, that depth behind Jacobs was an issue. Jalen Richard continued to burden a lot of the responsibilities in the passing game, but the fall off from Jacobs to DeAndre Washington when it came to production on the ground was glaring and noticeable.
This year’s draft class, while more often being praised for its immense depth at wide receiver, is underrated, and relatively deep at the running back position as well. What is even more beneficial for the Raiders is that the second tier of backs after the few potential first round talents, are poised to be 2nd-4th rounders.
DeAndre Washington is officially out, signing a 1-year deal with the Kansas City Chiefs. With the Raiders having three selections in the third round of this year’s NFL Draft, they are in a prime position to take someone who can come in to compliment Jacobs and be an upgrade from Washington as the secondary guy in the run game.
Here are three running backs the Raiders could look to target with any one of their three third round picks.