Silver Minings: Jalen Richard named Raiders’ ‘best-kept secret’

We’re back with another featured Bleacher Report article. Yesterday, they ranked the best kept secret on every NFL team. I’ll be honest, this one surprised me.

For the Raiders, Bleacher Report named Jalen Richard, Las Vegas’ third string running back, as the best kept secret. Richard is a common name for Raiders fans, as he’s been around for multiple years. However, his role has slowly decreased in recent years. With the team bringing in Kenyan Drake this offseason, I expect his snaps to decrease yet again.

However, he’s still a pretty valuable weapon. Here’s what BR had to say about him.

After watching the Las Vegas Raiders give Kenyan Drake a two-year, $11 million deal in free agency this offseason, one might think they had an underwhelming backfield. They didn’t, and adding Drake was a luxury move.

Many fans are familiar with Josh Jacobs, Las Vegas’ starting back, a Pro Bowler in 2020 and arguably the right pick for 2019 Offensive Rookie of the Year (the award went to Kyler Murray). Those outside the Raiders fanbase, however, are probably less familiar with receiving back Jalen Richard.

Richard has spent all five of his pro seasons with the Raiders, and while he’s rarely received starting opportunities, he’s regularly contributed in both the running game and passing game. Richard’s role was reduced last season as Las Vegas leaned more on Jacobs and Devontae Booker, but Richard still finished with 19 receptions, 261 scrimmage yards and a touchdown.

Over the past five seasons, he has compiled 1,293 rushing yards, 1,518 receiving yards and seven total touchdowns. He’s a complementary piece, but he’s become one the Raiders can rely on.

What do you think of this selection? Do you think Richard is a valuable asset to the team? Let us know in the comments!

In other Raiders’ links:

• Has the Raiders roster actually improved since Jon Gruden took over?
• Is Derek Carr an MVP sleeper?
• Top five defensive ends in Raiders history.
• Can Darren Waller be the Tight End No. 1 in fantasy football?