2021 NFL Draft: Running backs the Las Vegas Raiders should target

For the Las Vegas Raiders, the running back position isn’t an immediate position of need, but you could always use talented players on your team regardless of the position.  Josh Jacobs became a Pro Bowl selection for the first time in his career this past season and has rushed for 1,000-plus yards in both of his professional seasons so far for the Silver and Black.

Devontae Booker did well to start the season backing up Jacobs, but struggled late in the season as the health of the offensive line went down. Although there aren’t many first-round running back in this year’s draft class, outside of Najee Harris and possibly Travis Etienne, talent can be found in the later rounds.

Here are a few running backs I think the Raiders could take a look at in the draft to improve the running back depth and talent.

Could the Raiders team Najee Harris with Josh Jacobs?

Pairing Najee Harris with Josh Jacobs is likely a pipe dream as the Raiders would likely have to use a first, or second-round pick on him. Harris has been a beast on the football field since his days at Antioch High School, and that hasn’t changed in his four seasons at Alabama.

The past two seasons have culminated in 1,000-plus yards in each, and double-digit touchdowns with 13 in 2019 and 26 last year.  He already has experience being a backup for Jacobs but doubled his career rushing totals, and almost passed Jacobs’s career rushing totals in the 2020 season alone.

Harris has the talent to not only provide a good backup option for the Raiders but has the talent to take over for Jacobs if he over-performs as he has been doing these past two seasons and prices himself out for the Raiders.  If Harris is on the board when the Raiders are up in the second round, I would want them to run this pick down to the podium.