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2022 NFL Draft: Did the Las Vegas Raiders get it right at No. 122?

By Jordan Alexis

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 31: Zamir White #3 of the Georgia Bulldogs warms up prior to the game against the Michigan Wolverines in the Capital One Orange Bowl for the College Football Playoff semifinal game at Hard Rock Stadium on December 31, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 31: Zamir White #3 of the Georgia Bulldogs warms up prior to the game against the Michigan Wolverines in the Capital One Orange Bowl for the College Football Playoff semifinal game at Hard Rock Stadium on December 31, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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Power is the theme of the Las Vegas Raiders draft thus far as they moved up to draft Georgia running back Zamir White.

The Las Vegas Raiders could not wait to get things started on day three of the draft as they moved up to pick #122 to select Georgia running back Zamir White.

Nicknamed “Zeus” coming out of high school, White was the number running back in the 2018 recruiting class. He did not quite live up to that hype, but he was undoubtedly productive in a crowded Bulldogs backfield.

So the question is, did the Raiders get the pick right?

The first thought that may cross people’s minds is that White could be insurance because the Raiders did not pick up Josh Jacobs’ fifth-year option. And while that could be the case, I think the Raiders could have addressed another position with this pick.

White definitely fits the downhill running style that Josh McDaniels was known for the past few seasons in New England. His 40-yard dash, 10-yard split, and broad jump were all in the 90th percentile, so he is very explosive as a runner. And physically, he is not someone you want to tackle one-on-one in the hole. Expect to see some defensive backs make business decisions when facing white.

The issue is that he is clearly a 2-down back at the moment. White had no impact in the passing game and was not trusted in pass protection despite his frame. So if he is in the game, you know it is most likely a run. Plus, he suffered back-to-back ACL tears in 2017 and 2018, so the medical could be an issue down the road.

With those issues, I would not expect him to replace Jacobs even if the Raiders decide to not resign him after this coming season. White has the power and explosiveness you want from an NFL running back, but with the lack of versatility, there were probably other players the Raiders could have gone after.

And running back is just not a need for the team now, so it was interesting to see them pick one in the fourth round.

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