Raiders Could Add Starting-Caliber RB Late in Draft

The Las Vegas Raiders could find themselves a starting-caliber player at running back late in the 2024 NFL Draft.

For the first time since 2018, someone other than Josh Jacobs will line up in the backfield as the Las Vegas Raiders’ starting running back. 

The former first-round pick out of Alabama decided to sign a contract with the Green Bay Packers in free agency in March, marking the end of a solid five-year career with the Silver and Black. 

The Raiders could have let Jacobs leave for several reasons. One was that paying running backs a massive contract has become an unpopular team-building strategy in the NFL in recent years. The Raiders may have been reluctant to pay Jacobs as he ages. 

Second, the Raiders may have felt they have a younger, cheaper option in Zamir White, who was impressive last season when Jacobs was out. White is still on a rookie contract and could break out in 2024.

Whatever their reasoning was, the Raiders now have to replace Jacobs’ production. They signed Alexander Mattison to a one-year contract but still may want to find another long-term option alongside White. 

They could find that option in the 2024 NFL Draft. While this draft class does not include a Bijan Robinson or Jahmyr Gibbs-level prospect, talented running backs will be available in the later rounds. 

Akin to paying a running back a massive contract, selecting one with premium draft assets has also become unpopular in recent years. Selecting one with a later draft pick has become more advised, which the Raiders could do this year. 

New Raiders offensive coordinator Luke Getsy’s previous offenses with the Chicago Bears either topped or ranked near the top of the league in rushing attempts. Under Getsy, the Raiders will certainly run the ball often, so they need as many bodies in the backfield as possible. 

If the Raiders are looking at late-round running backs, they have several options. Michigan’s Blake Corum, Texas’ Jonathon Brooks, Wisconsin’s Braelon Allen and Florida State’s Trey Benson are all talented players who could carry a solid workload in their rookie seasons.

While White will take the brunt of the carries, and Mattison will be the feature back in the passing game, a rookie could be a good change-of-pace player who could still take a starter’s number of carries.

The NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Mich., on April 25-27, 2024. The Las Vegas Raiders currently have the No. 13 overall pick.

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