As draft season presses on, it is time to continue looking at the Las Vegas Raiders‘ options for their biggest positions of need. This time, we are looking at the running backs. Las Vegas desperately needs an upgrade at the position. They cannot go into the next season with the triumvirate of mediocrity in Zamir White, Alexander Mattison, and Ameer Abdullah.
Fortunately, we have an absolutely loaded running back class this year. Personally, I have six backs with Day 1 or Day 2 grades. The tricky part will be finding someone that makes sense with where the Raiders are drafting. Keep in mind that the best option might not be the best back. This is more about what the ideal pick is in terms of value and what the board will presumably look like when the Raiders are on the clock.
Let’s take a look at some options.
What are the top two options for the Raiders?
No. 1: Omarion Hampton, North Carolina
To be clear, Omarion Hampton is not the best back in this class. That being said, getting him early in the second round would be better than taking any running back sixth overall. In an ideal scenario, Las Vegas could prioritize a position of higher value, such as quarterback or even cornerback, in the first round and then select a running back on Day 2.
Hampton is a terrific back. He explodes through the hole and, once he gets to the next level of the defense, uses his outstanding contact balance to get even more yards. On top of that, he is reliable as both a receiver and a pass protector. While he won’t necessarily create much for himself at the line of scrimmage, the Raiders have excellent enough line play to create opportunities for him. They just need somebody to turn those well-blocked runs into explosive plays. Hampton will do that.
No. 2: Ashton Jeanty, Boise State
This may seem silly having Ashton Jeanty as the second option. You could make the case that he should be the top option because he is the best back in this class. You could also make the case that he should not be on here at all because taking a running back at six is irresponsible asset management. However, there is a plausible scenario where it makes sense.
The Raiders are essentially in a “best player available” situation if both the top two quarterbacks and top two corners are already selected. In my opinion, Jeanty is not the best player available. He does not quite carry a top-ten grade from me and will likely come in somewhere in the top 15 on my big board. Nevertheless, Jeanty is talented enough, and the Raiders’ need at running back is dire enough, to justify a slight reach.
Jeanty possesses all the characteristics of a top-tier NFL back. He has excellent vision, elite contact balance, and a fantastic feel for zone concepts. Additionally, he excels in all aspects of the third down game. He may lack elite measurables, but there are plenty of outstanding backs in the league that have overcome that. Former Raider Josh Jacobs is actually a perfect example of that.
Other Possibilities…
TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State
If the Raiders wind up waiting until round two and Hampton is gone, TreVeyon Henderson could be an ideal fallback option. He’s a decisive and smart runner with outstanding vision. Once he gets through the second level, he has the long speed to hit the home run play too. Also, he is excellent in pass protection. His quickness and measurables are just okay, which is why he will be available in the late 30s of the draft, but he would still be a fine addition to the Raiders’ offense. Reuniting him with Chip Kelly couldn’t hurt either.
Quinshon Judkins, Ohio State
Speaking of Kelly and his Ohio State running backs, you’d have to imagine he would love to get his hands on Quinshon Judkins. His explosive first step and the way he lowers his shoulder with malicious intentions make him a favorite of coaches and fans alike. The Raiders could do a lot with him, but he also may not be a three-down back right away. Still, if the Raiders could nab him with one of their third-round picks, it would be a tremendous value.
Dylan Sampson, Tennessee
Should the Raiders choose to exercise patience in the running back position, Dylan Sampson has the potential to be a valuable addition on Day 3. Personally, I have a late third-round grade on him and he is my RB6. However, most mock drafts have him going in the early fourth round. Plus, if the Raiders wanted to play it safe, they could just use their second or third-round pick to secure him and it would not be a huge reach. Like Judkins, Sampson is a tough runner who can accelerate quickly, but he has concerns about being a three-down back. Regardless, he would add some much-needed oomph to the Raiders’ backfield.
*Top Photo: Getty Images
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