Analyzing the Raiders Running Back situation entering the 2022 offseason

Jan 2, 2022; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Las Vegas Raiders running back Jalen Richard (30) reacts to winning the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Raiders won 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2022; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Las Vegas Raiders running back Jalen Richard (30) reacts to winning the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Raiders won 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 5
Next
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – NOVEMBER 07: Hunter Renfrow #13 of the Las Vegas Raiders celebrates a touchdown with Alec Ingold #45 and Bryan Edwards #89 of the Las Vegas Raiders during the first quarter in the game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on November 07, 2021, in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – NOVEMBER 07: Hunter Renfrow #13 of the Las Vegas Raiders celebrates a touchdown with Alec Ingold #45 and Bryan Edwards #89 of the Las Vegas Raiders during the first quarter in the game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on November 07, 2021, in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

Analyzing the Raiders Running Back situation entering the 2022 offseason

Sutton Smith and Alec Ingold

If Ingold returns to full strength, this position is likely his again. He is one of the best in the NFL and offers a lot of versatility in the run and passing game. McDaniels has used fullbacks his whole career and he can really unlock all of Ingold’s abilities.

As a team captain and a fan favorite, the Raiders will likely bring back a core member of their team in Ingold. Smith performed well in Ingold’s spot but offers little aside from being a good run blocker and short-yardage runner. He played well when called upon and could be given a spot on the practice squad after getting an extension last season.

Other options

The Raiders will likely run it back with Jacobs, Drake and a rookie or Richard but there are some intriguing options. The first option is clear, James White, a McDaniels favorite who is still a good third-down back. If White returns from his hip injury, he could draw some interest.

Sony Michel, Brandon Bolden, and Jeff Wilson could all be veteran options as well. As for draft options, Jerome Ford, Zamir White, and Hassan Haskins all offer intrigue as late-round options.