The Las Vegas Raiders selected two running backs in the 2022 NFL Draft, so where does the position group stand at this point.
Entering the 2022 NFL Draft, running back was not a position of weakness for the Las Vegas Raiders. The previous regime had already invested heavy assets into the position, one known to be a position of low value.
In 2019, the Raiders spent a first-round pick on Josh Jacobs and followed up with a sizable contract for Jalen Richard, and another big contract for Kenyan Drake. While Richard left in free agency, the Raiders return Jacobs and Drake, two starting quality running backs on sizable contracts before adding veterans Brandon Bolden and Ameer Abdullah in free agency.
Jacobs has been expected to carry a major load in the running game despite all of these additions. Jacobs has proved to be a high quality running back throughout his career and even made a Pro Bowl in 2020 but has struggled with injuries and ineffectiveness, largely due to a poor offensive line.
Meanwhile, Drake is coming off of a broken ankle after a season in which his role diminished from what was originally expected to be a major one. However, heading into the season it was expected for Drake to fully be utilized in Josh McDaniels system.
As for Bolden, he was expected to be featured as the third-down back who could contribute on special teams. Bolden has plenty of experience in McDaniels offense and was a clear priority for the Raiders as a replacement for Richard.
Abdullah was seen as a depth piece who would also double as a return specialist. Trey Ragas, a 2021 undrafted free agent, likely has a minimal chance to return in 2022 and is now last on the depth chart.
Raiders continue to bolster the position group
The additions of Zamir White and Brittain Brown complicate the Raiders’ backfield situation. The team was not expected to add a running back, nonetheless in the fourth round, and all of a sudden the Raiders have six running backs for likely 4 spots. White offers the Raiders a 6-foot, 215-pound power running back with speed, highlighted by his 4.49 40-time, however he dealt with injuries earlier in his college career and needs to improve his pass blocking.
Brown is a bigger running back with solid vision who is patient and uses his blocks well. He offers little else and likely has minimal impact in the league.
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The obvious choices for the Raiders running back room are Jacobs, Drake, Bolden, and White simply based on the investments made in those players. Brown or Abdullah likely only make the team if the Raiders can find a trade partner for Drake, which seems highly unlikely. Drafting two running backs doesn’t seem like the best allocation of assets but if White can be a starting quality back in 2023 and Brown offers good depth for the foreseeable future, it makes sense.