Mid-round running backs options for Raiders

The need for a backup running back is really no greater for the Raiders now than before DeAndre Washington left in free agency for the Kansas City Chiefs on Wednesday.

The Raiders didn’t prioritize bringing back Washington and they had interest in running backs before he left. Washington is like Jalen Richard in stature, so it isn’t a crushing loss. The Raiders have looking for a bigger running back since Marshawn Lynch departed in 2018.

They need a bruiser to replace star second-year running back Josh Jacobs when needed, as Jacobs dealt with a lot of ailments last season leading him to miss three games.

It will be interesting to see when the Raiders take a running back, as good backs can be taken later in the draft, such as the Eagles drafting standout Miles Sanders in the third round last year. With other more pressing needs, the Raiders may be able to wait until the fourth or fifth round to address this position.

Let’s take a look at some of the potential options:

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A.J. Dillon, Boston College:
You want big? Dillon delivers at 6 foot, 247 lbs. Damn, that’s a beefy back. He moves solidly, too, at 4.53. Dillon has produced big with 1,685 yards and 14 touchdowns for BC last season. Having him, Jacobs and Richard in the same backfield would be a delight for Jon Gruden’s playbook.

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Joshua Kelley, UCLA:
Some teams are really high on Kelley and some aren’t. I could see him available in the fourth round. He was benched early last season and came back and had a good year. At 5-foot-11, 214 lbs, Kelley was impressive at the Senior Bowl. He may be the type who is a better pro than a college player.

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Zack Moss, Utah:
Moss (5-foot-9, 223 lbs) may be the first back on this list to get drafted, especially now that he has been medically cleared. The Raiders may opt for other needs first but Moss can definitely play. He averaged six yards an attempt as he gained 1,416 yards last season.

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Lamical Perine, Florida:
At 5-foot-11, 216 lbs, Perine is not fast with a 4.62 speed. But he is a tough runner who has nice hands out of the backfield.

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Ke’Shawn Vaughn, Vanderbilt:
He’s not a huge back at 5-foot-9, 205 lbs, but he is skilled as a rusher and a receiver. Vaughn may fit the Raiders’ needs if some of the other backs on this list aren’t available.