Las Vegas Raiders 2020 post-draft depth chart: Running back
The Las Vegas Raiders added some versatility to their running back group and it should be one of the strengths of the team in 2020.
The Las Vegas Raiders knew they needed to add some weapons to Derek Carr‘s arsenal in their inaugural season in Sin City and in addition to the receivers they drafted, they also added some running backs to an already talented group.
Let’s take a look at the 2019 season at running back for the Raiders, which backs left and who was signed, and what the depth chart looks like after the 2020 NFL Draft.
2019 season
One of the strengths of the Las Vegas Raiders in 2019 was the running backs group thanks to the great play of Josh Jacobs in his debut season, the versatility of Jalen Richard as a receiving threat, and DeAndre Washington‘s ability to step in to the starting role when called upon. Fullback Alec Ingold did his fair share of damage in his rookie season as well and displayed a knack for catching passes out of the backfield and getting first downs in short yardage situations.
Josh Jacobs was by far the star of the group with this 1150 yards and 7 touchdowns in 13 games but he fought through a shoulder injury suffered early in the season so we have not even seen him at his best. He also did not make much of an impact as a receiver but showed the same dynamism when was used in that fashion so that is an area of his game he can build on.
Jalen Richard was the primary receiving threat out of the backfield and was used primarily as a third down back. Richard is one of Derek Carr’s favorite targets and his talent for pass blocking has seen him lined up in the backfield on obvious passing downs.
DeAndre Washington stepped in to the starting role when Josh Jacobs was held out for three games with the aforementioned shoulder injury. Washington performed admirably and was a driving force in the Week 15 win over the Los Angeles Chargers. He is equally adept as Richard as a receiving back and had a career year in terms of total yards from scrimmage.
Alec Ingold was used primarily as a blocking back but was able to make an impact when he had the ball in his hands. Ingold had only 10 rushing attempts and 6 receptions in 2019 but accounted for 11 first downs and a touchdown with his limited touches. He may see an expanded role in 2020 after he’s had a full offseason to further absorb the playbook.
Rod Smith was on the roster for three games in 2019 and recorded no offensive stats but did force a fumble on special teams.