Las Vegas Raiders: Predicting winners of top 6 training camp battles

Las Vegas Raiders: Predicting winners of top 6 training camp battles

No. 2 Running Back

Top Competitors Vying for Spot: Lynn Bowden Jr., Jeremy Hill, Devontae Booker, Rod Smith

Let’s assume Jalen Richard retains his role as the primary pass-catching back, leaving the No. 2 spot open for an early-down ball-carrier.

Head coach Jon Gruden tends to add veteran running backs to compete for touches in the backfield. In 2018, he added Doug Martin. Last offseason, Isaiah Crowell would’ve had a chance if not for a torn Achilles. This time, the team signed Devontae Booker, who landed on the reserve/COVID-19 list.

Vegas will also bring in Jeremy Hill. He’s familiar with Paul Guenther from their shared time in Cincinnati (2014-17).

At 6’1″, 230 pounds, Hill can handle short-yardage and goal-line opportunities, but he hasn’t played significant snaps since 2016. The LSU product battled injuries over the last three years. Still only 27 years old, the former Bengal has a chance to carve out a decent role.

Yet, Lynn Bowden Jr. should claim the No. 2 spot behind Josh Jacobs. He’s a third-round pick with a versatile skill set. The Kentucky product averaged 7.9 yards per carry in his final year as a collegian and caught 114 passes for 1,303 yards and six touchdowns through three terms.

Bowden can bring an element of surprise to the offense. He’s a rare offensive playmaker who can pass, run and throw the football on gadget plays (403 yards and three passing touchdowns at Kentucky).

Hill has played one football game since 2018. With Booker on the reserve/COVID-19 list, the Raiders don’t have any intriguing veteran options to challenge Bowden.

Prediction: Bowden