The Las Vegas Raiders made a bit of a shocking pick in the fourth round, bringing in Zamir White, a punishing running back from Georgia.
Holding the no. 126 overall pick in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, the Las Vegas Raiders had several holes to fix. However, they decided to trade up a bit, landing at No. 122 overall thanks to a trade with the Minnesota Vikings.
The trade ended up being the Raiders sending picks No. 126 and No. 227 to Minnesota for picks No. 122 and No. 250, and with the selection, Las Vegas went running back, picking Zamir White from Georgia.
White had led the Bulldogs in rushing the past two seasons and was a key in them making it to the national title game this past year. In that game, White rushed for 84 yards and a touchdown, a fitting capper to a career that started with a torn ACL and ended with him being a champion.
Raiders loaded at the running back position
Now, he joins the Silver and Black, where he will add even more depth to a loaded running back room. Going into the summer months, Las Vegas has Josh Jacobs, Kenyan Drake, Brandon Bolden, and Ameer Abdullah to name a few, so there is no real rush for him to come in and start right away.
White has had some knee issues in the past, but a healthy Zeus could be an absolute star at the next level. The Raiders passed on Josh Jacobs’ fifth-year option earlier this week, and if White is as good as advertised, a new face could be at the top of the depth chart at the running back position as early as the 2023 season.
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Las Vegas had more pressing needs going into this pick, including the offensive and defensive line, but this is a quality kid who could be a long-term answer at the running back spot. If the Raiders are not going to pay Jacobs after this season, they have his replacement already.
Grade: B