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Adding a talented running back to the mix in Oakland could be a good idea. Marshawn Lynch’s status to return for a second season is still uncertain and Jalen Richard and DeAndre Washington did fare well in their second season.
Dion Lewis
This journeyman has bounced all over the league since he was a 5th round pick in the 2011 draft. First with the Eagles for two seasons before being traded to the Browns. He broke his fibula and didn’t play a snap in Cleveland. He was then signed by the Colts in 2014 but didn’t make the team out of camp and was out of football that season. He caught on with the Patriots in 2015 and after two unheralded seasons, became an absolute game breaker last season. He scored touchdowns in each of the team last three games this season and the Patriots didn’t lose a game in which he saw at least 10 carries. It was his carry around the left side for the first down (despite an uncalled holding) that sealed the win in the AFC Championship game. His price tag could go up with a strong performance in the Super Bowl.
Isaiah Crowell
This very promising young back (25) has toiled in relative obscurity in Cleveland with no help from the quarterback position on a team that has had one win the past two seasons. He has still managed to put up a respectable 4.2 yards per carry, which, if he were leaned on more often, would easily have yielded at least one 1000-yard season in 2016 when he averaged 4.8 yards per carry. But averaging less than 200 carries a season over his four seasons in the league it’s difficult to do that.
Carlos Hyde
In terms of yards per carry in 2017, Hyde had his worst season (3.9). But in most other areas he was still solid. With career highs in starts (16), rushing touchdowns (8), catches (59), receiving yards (350), and yards from scrimmage (1288). The 6-0, 230-pounder is 27 years old.
Shooting star
Le’Veon Bell
The man everyone thinks their team has a shot to sign. The 2-time All Pro is arguably the best back in the league and at 25 years old, his salary will command it. The only way the Raiders would even consider making this move is if they released Marshawn Lynch. It may no matter either way, because the Steelers are expected to slap him with the franchise tag for the second straight season. Even though Bell has suggested he could retire if they do that. A lot would have to happen for Bell to somehow end up in Oakland.
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