The Las Vegas Raiders decided to forego drafting a running back last month at the NFL draft. This might’ve worked out considering they landed Trey Ragas afterward.
It was common knowledge the Silver and Black didn’t need to do draft a running back this year. The team has a Pro Bowler in Josh Jacobs who has rushed for 2,215 yards these past two years. However, the team’s brass decided that ’28’ wasn’t enough moving forward, so they picked up a seasoned player in Kenyan Drake during free agency. Like Jacobs, Drake also hails from the University of Alabama. He’ll bring versatility and will help shoulder some of the load off of Jacobs. As far as Ragas, the team might have a steal on their hands, a potentially explosive third running back.
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What will Ragas bring to the Raiders?
Barring injury to either Jacobs or Drake, Ragas might have to sit for a while but could see time on special teams. As far as his collegiate career, Ragas played four years for the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns, earning several accolades along the way. He holds several records in the Sub Belt conference, among them is 38 career rushing touchdowns which are ninth all-time. In addition to that, Ragas’ 1,410 yards from scrimmage in 2018 is number one all-time.
In four years, he never averaged less than 5.7 yards per rushing attempt and scored more than eight touchdowns each year. During his last two years in Louisiana, Ragas averaged 10 yards or more per reception in the passing game. The five-foot-ten running back has a physical style, he wasn’t afraid of contact and was hard to bring down in college. At the same time, he can turn on the jets when needed, he’s more than just a one-trick pony. Pro Football Focus was also high on him, he was graded 90.5 overall with an 88.9 run grade.
Whether the team brings back Jalen Richard or not, you can expect Ragas to impress in camp given his pedigree. It’ll be interesting to see if he ends up becoming a long-term contributor as an undrafted rookie, much like Richard once did.
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*Top Photo: Ragin Cajuns Sports