3 running backs the Las Vegas Raiders should target in the third round

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PITTSBURGH, PA – NOVEMBER 30: AJ Dillon #2 of the Boston College Eagles in action during the game against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Heinz Field on November 30, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /

AJ Dillon, Boston College

The 6’0″ 250 lb running back out of Boston College would be an absolute bruiser for the Raiders in short yardage situations and early downs. He finished his junior year with 1,685 yards on a hefty 318 carries, averaging 5.3 Y/A and finishing with 14 touchdowns.

AJ Dillon is not a speed guy, though he’s shiftier then you would expect for a guy his size. If the Raiders were looking to bring someone in for a situational load sharing role, he would be the perfect value pick entering day 3 of the NFL Draft.

What he lacks in speed he makes up for with the ability to lower his head and run you over with his sheer power. On top of that, his size allows him to be a stout player in pass protection, which we all know for Jon Gruden is a must.

If the Raiders took AJ Dillon in this year’s draft, Jon Gruden will be salivating at the opportunity to have his modern day Charlie Garner/Tyrone Wheatley combination in Josh Jacobs and AJ Dillon. Having the ability of Dillon to wear down a defense with the ground and pound, while Jacobs out runs everyone will open the offense and give the Raiders a 1-2 punch they’ve needed for a long time.

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