Raiders position battle: Scat back

Jalen Richard vs DeAndre Washington

Just prior to the Draft, the Raiders acquired Marshawn Lynch in a trade with Seattle, signing him to a two year contract to insert as the team’s new starter. That puts the battle at this position for the change-of-pace scat back behind him.

Jalen Richard went undrafted out of Southern Mississippi arrived and was signed after a try out during the Raiders rookie mini camp.

In his rookie season the 5’8”, 207-pound pocket rocket gained 491 yards on 83 carries for an astounding 5.9 yards per carry. He only scored one rushing touchdown but added 2 receiving touchdowns as well as being a dangerous punt returner.

He is currently the first team running back in OTA’s while Marshawn Lynch eases his way back into football shape according to Levi Damien.

DeAndre Washington was also a rookie last season, drafted in the 5th round (143 overall) out of Texas Tech.

The 5’8”, 204-pounder was expected to be the primary change-of-pace back behind Latavius Murray, but had his carries taken by the unexpected production of Richard.

Washington had impressive numbers of his own, gaining 467 yards on 87 carries for an average of 5.4 yards per carry.

In week 16 against the Colts, Washington had his best game, gaining 99 yards on 12 carries (8.3 average) including two 22 yard touchdown runs — his only scores of the season. If not for the overshadowing leg injury to Derek Carr that ended his season, this may have been talked about as Washington’s coming out game. Washington had been inactive the previous two weeks, so that game did wonders for his confidence.

“As a competitor, you always want to be out there on the field, you always want to put you best foot forward,” Washington said. “So the two weeks I wasn’t active, as a competitor, it just gives you extra motivation, another edge to just go out there and compete and demand the most out of yourself. I feel like I can definitely help this team so I just wanted to get out there and showcase my ability.”

Wild card: Elijah Hood

Drafted in the 7th round (242 overall) of the 2017 NFL draft out of North Carolina, Hood looks to be the heir apparent to Marshawn Lynch. Interestingly enough the 6’0 200 pound 21 year old rookie couldn’t be happier about the pairing.

Hood gained 2580 yards on 430 carries (6.0 average) with 29 touchdowns in his three year college career. While it may be impossible to completely imitate ‘Beast mode’, there are some obvious similarities in their running styles.

The Raiders will have some tough choices to make trimming down to the final 53 man roster though having too much talent on your roster is always a great problem to have.

Editor’s note: Levi Damien contributed to this article.