Josh Jacobs came into the 2023 NFL season as the reigning rushing champion. The recent rise of Zamir White may prompt the franchise to choose not to pay Jacobs and instead draft his replacement, too.
Who could the Las Vegas Raiders be looking at to pair with White next season? Bleacher Report’s Ryan Fowler has some names that should interest the Silver and Black if they decide to part ways with Jacobs this upcoming offseason.
The 25-year-old will become a free agent in a few months after holding out and securing a one-year, $10,091,000 contract during the 2023 preseason. Will it be time to look at a replacement following this down year by his standards? Here’s a look at two potential running backs Las Vegas can be looking at in the draft.
From USC to the Raiders?
Fowler believes USC’s MarShawn Lloyd would thrive as a running back in Las Vegas. Lloyd played in 11 games for the Trojans, racking up 1,052 yards from scrimmage and nine touchdowns. Additionally, Fowler says the 22-year-old could shoot up draft boards, as he’ll be playing in the 2024 Senior Bowl.
“Keep a keen eye on MarShawn Lloyd as we get deeper into the process,” Fowler wrote. “He’s an early favorite among scouts to rise following his week at the Senior Bowl, and his blend of power and speed would be an excellent addition to any offense.
“A 210-pound prospect who has the unique ability to run around, through, and over defenders, Lloyd is a lot to handle in the open field, and he has the quickness and wiggle to churn yards with consistency.”
Where is Llyod projected to go once the draft comes around in April? Pro Football Network’s draft profile on the Trojan star has him going early in the Day 3 range and sees him as a rotational starter or high-end backup in the NFL.
However, projections never capture complete accuracy, as they fail to consider a team falling in love with a player and selecting him earlier or later than a projection gives.
Should Las Vegas draft a running back early?
When the Raiders drafted Jacobs, it was late in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft, which nowadays is where many expect running backs to go. So, could the Silver and Black repeat history again by taking his replacement in the first round in 2024?
Ohio State’s TreVeyon Henderson appears to be the cream of the crop and should be the first running back taken, and Fowler notes that the Raiders are one of the teams that would make a good fit.
“While the 2024 class fails to showcase a talent parallel to the tandem of 2023 first rounders in Bijan Robinson (8th overall) and Jahmyr Gibbs (12th), Henderson could be the cream of the crop this spring due to his patience, contact balance, and familiarity in both gap and zone running schemes,” Fowler wrote. “As good as he is on the ground, the 21-year-old displays a high level of comfort in space, where he showcases smooth hands and an underutilized ability as a route-runner.”
If Las Vegas fails to make the playoffs, expect them to select somewhere in the middle of the first round. Nonetheless, the Raiders could trade back and secure more draft capital if they feel Henderson would be the ideal replacement.
The Raiders have some decisions to make this offseason, and if White continues to hold his own in Jacobs’ absence, will it be time to look at potential replacements? The next general manager for the team will need to make that tough decision.
*Top Photo: Getty Images