Starters: Marshawn Lynch, Keith Smith (FB)
Depth: Doug Martin, Jalen Richard, DeAndre Washington, Chris Warren III, Henry Poggi (FB)
Lynch came on strong in the second half of last season, running for 625 yards and 5 TD’s in the final eight games, averaging 4.63 yards per carry. Had he been running like that all season, he would have easily reached 1200 yards and double digit touchdowns.
Gruden brings in his lightning to Lynch’s thunder, signing veteran back Doug(ernaut) Martin. So far Gruden really likes what Martin has shown and all signs point to him getting about a third of the carries, or about half of what Marshawn gets. That would be in keeping with Gruden’s past shared backfields.
Richard and Washington are likely competing for the final running back spot. The two third-year backs weren’t much of a factor last season and one of them will have to prove he can rebound.
Smith replaces Jamize Olawale at fullback. Gruden wanted a more traditional fullback and that’s not Olawale. Both Warren and Poggi are long shots to make the team.
Condition: Stable
There’s every indication that Marshawn can still be the feature back the Raiders need even at 32. We don’t know what the Raiders are getting in Doug Martin. He is two years removed from an All Pro season, but in those two years he’s averaged 2.9 yards per carry.
Poll
What position do you think Raiders running back position is in?
This poll is closed
-
27%
Strong
-
57%
Stable
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13%
Unstable
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0%
Serious
-
0%
Critical
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