Las Vegas Raiders should target Utah running back Zack Moss

The Las Vegas Raiders have their stud running back in Josh Jacobs, but they would be wise to take a long look at Zack Moss in the 2020 NFL Draft.

During the 2019 NFL Draft, the then-Oakland Raiders used a first round pick on Alabama running back Josh Jacobs. Jacobs was one of three first round picks for the Raiders last April, and had the biggest impact of the three, as he set a number of Raiders rookie records.

After becoming the first Raiders rookie to post a 1,000-yard season, many believed he would be a shoe-in to take home the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year award. However, that went to Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray, which was pretty stunning at the time.

Still, the Raiders found a gem in Jacobs, and as they enter the 2020 season, they have that workhorse back they have been lacking in recent years. When you add to the mix a great pass-catching option in Jalen Richard at running back as well, there is solid talent at the position group already.

While Jacobs and Richard are a nice duo, Jacobs had his issues with injuries last season, including missing the final two games due to his shoulder. While Richard is a nice change-of-pace back, it was DeAndre Washington who got the bulk of the carries with Jacobs out, and he has since been signed by the Kansas City Chiefs.

During the 2020 NFL Draft, the Raiders should attack this position group on Day 2, looking at a player like Zack Moss from Utah. While Moss had a terrible time with the 40-yard dash at the Combine, he leaves Utah as the all-time leading rusher, and is a solid blend of quickness, size, and power.

The 2019 Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year, Moss was a touchdown machine for the Utes last season, racking up 16 touchdowns. Moss rushed for 1,000-plus yards in each of his last three seasons on campus, while hauling in nearly 30 passes in two of those seasons.

Running back is not a premier need for the Raiders entering Thursday, but they could certainly stand to add a player of Moss’s caliber. Jacobs and Richard are a nice combo heading into 2020, but with Washington gone, there is a lack of depth, and Moss is the kind of back who fits this offense perfectly.

On Day 2, the Raiders hold three third round picks, which is about where Moss figures to land in this year’s draft. You can never have too much talent at running back, and in Moss, they get a guy they can plug in if Jacobs goes down, and hopefully not have to change too much on offense.