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Ranking the 2021 AFC West RBs: Where do the Las Vegas Raiders rank

By Khaled Abdallah

Dec 17, 2020; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) runs the ball against Los Angeles Chargers strong safety Rayshawn Jenkins (23) during overtime at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 17, 2020; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) runs the ball against Los Angeles Chargers strong safety Rayshawn Jenkins (23) during overtime at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 3, 2021; Denver, Colorado, USA; Las Vegas Raiders outside linebacker Cory Littleton (42) tackles Denver Broncos running back Melvin Gordon (25) in the first quarter at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

Ranking the 2021 AFC West RBs: Where do the Las Vegas Raiders rank

2. Denver Broncos

The Denver Broncos are similar to the Raiders in that they seem to value the running back position more than the average NFL team these days. Denver recently gave Melvin Gordon a big contract to defect from the Chargers, and he responded with a solid 2020 season that was hampered by the team’s overall struggles on offense.

Gordon also has the unfortunate trait of putting the ball on the ground to go with his talent, but when he has things going, he can be a real weapon for the Broncos. Behind Gordon, the Broncos have Royce Freeman, who has been good in spot duty, and LeVante Bellamy, who is more of a scatback but did not play much last season.

The most intriguing member of the Broncos backfield is rookie Javonte Williams out of North Carolina. Williams was a second round pick this year after a stellar career with the Tar Heels, including a final season where he averaged 7.3 yards a carry.

The North Carolina-native was one of the standout running backs in college football for the last two seasons as he rushed for 2,073 yards and 24 touchdowns over his last 24 games. Williams may not be the day one starter but he will be pushing Gordon for touches and could easily be the starter a few weeks in to the season if he shows the same power and burst that he did at the college level.

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