The Las Vegas Raiders continued to add to their running back group by signing undrafted free agent Sincere McCormick by way of Texas-San Antonio.
To call the Raiders’ running backs room crowded is an understatement. The team will still feature Josh Jacobs and Kenyan Drake this season, a one-two punch with much untapped potential. Fans should be looking forward to what new head coach Josh McDaniels will be able to do with this duo. In addition, the Raiders drafted Zamir White and Brittain Brown last weekend during the NFL Draft. Both Brandon Bolden and Ameer Abdullah will also be competing for playing time during camp, so adding McCormick makes it a jam-packed unit.
Will Sincere McCormick stand out in the Raiders’ running back group?
McCormick generated headlines with his NFL Combine performance and really put people on notice, specifically those not familiar with UTSA. He posted a 4.60 time in his 40-yard dash in Indianapolis but also recorded a 4.55 time at his pro day. In addition, McCormick also had a 116-inch broad jump at both events. Despite going undrafted, it was obvious that whoever landed McCormick as a free agent was getting a true diamond in the rough.
Sincere McCormick has reservations for 6 and he’s not gonna be late #BlueChipSummer pic.twitter.com/yCTJJWNW96
— 🇺🇦Mike Spencer Hrynyshyn🇺🇦 (@MikeH_Draft) July 2, 2021
McCormick was a playmaker in college, pure and simple. When he had the ball in his hands, he made things happen. The more he was fed the ball, the better he got with each carry. He isn’t all flash, though. McCormick isn’t afraid of contact and will play physical by lowering his shoulders on any given play. When he breaks off a run, it’s a thing of beauty as he has a nice burst to beat defenders around the corner. The display he put on at the combine is further proof he has notable straight-line speed and has sufficient explosiveness.
What will help McCormick against the Raiders is his versatility. He can line up out of the backfield and will be an asset in both the receiving game and in the pass-blocking department. As a side note, he accumulated nearly 200 receiving yards in each of his last three collegiate seasons.
😵â€ðŸ’« Sincere McCormick pic.twitter.com/MGDM94W8FB
— Maliik Obee (@NFLMaliik) November 10, 2021
The Raiders have a diamond in the rough
McCormick was a free agent steal due to his solid speed, versatility, and raw natural talent. Had he transferred to a bigger program rather than going pro, McCormick would have likely gone as a top draft choice next year. Nevertheless, he’s on the Raiders now, and he has several other intangibles that should help him make the roster.
McCormick has notable on-field vision, and he combined that with good lateral movement and agility to make the most of a hole in a defense. He flashes nice movement with his feet, and once he’s in the open field, he’s hard to bring down and will make the most of every run, whether he breaks out for a long gain or fights for yardage. If McDaniels and the Raiders can find a way to get him some snaps out of the gate, they can begin to mold a running back of the future for their rotation. Keep in mind that McDaniels will operate the running back position much differently than what Raiders fans are used to.
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*Top Photo: Courtesy of APImages
