The Las Vegas Raiders have made a handful of moves in free agency, mostly adding depth across the roster. However, there are still a few positions that could use some extra help. One of those is running back, which is a position many think the Raiders will look at in the draft.
That position was extremely lackluster for the Silver and Black in 2024. Zamir White was disappointing, and while Alexander Mattison had some nice moments, he didn’t make too much of an impact overall. Aside from a nice stint from Sincere McCormick, there really wasn’t a lot to enjoy from the unit.
Looking ahead to the 2025 NFL Draft, even if the Raiders don’t upgrade at running back early, the later rounds will still have some solid options available. Let’s take a look at three running backs Las Vegas could target late in this year’s draft.
Three Late-Round RB The Raiders Should Look At In The Draft
Ollie Gordon, Oklahoma State
Gordon won’t be there in the last round or two, but there’s a good chance he’s still available early on Day 3. If he is, he’s somebody the Raiders absolutely should consider.
Las Vegas hasn’t had a ton of explosion out of their backfield recently. Gordon would be a good change of pace back in that regard, giving Sin City much needed big-play ability from their running back room. He has good build-up speed which really allows him to explode at the second level. On top of that, he’s also agile enough in space to make defenders miss, and can even be used as a check-down option.
Gordon is a pretty powerful runner as well, who loves to attack downhill and isn’t afraid to lower his shoulder.
However, when the hole isn’t there and he can’t just power through the line of scrimmage, Gordon lacks creativity. He has agility, but isn’t going to consistently beat defenses around the outside. There also was a lack of productivity in 2024 after a solid 2023 campaign, which has been part of the reason he’s pushed into the later rounds.
If Las Vegas heads into the third day of the draft still needing to add depth in the backfield, Gordon is a solid late-round option.
Donovan Edwards, Michigan
If the Raiders decide to leave it until the later rounds of the draft to address the running back position, Edwards could be a good choice.
Edwards is another back with a good frame for the position in addition to having a good burst as well. He runs physically, and does a good job at staying upfield without unnecessarily bouncing to the outside. He’s an extremely tough player who has a good habit of falling forwards when being tackled to pick up an extra yard or two.
In the passing game, Edwards has some worth as well. He can be used out of the backfield and has a decent route tree for the position. The National Championship winner two seasons ago also made some stark improvements in pass-protection as his collegiate career went on.
However, there are reasons for Edwards to be available later in the draft as well. He doesn’t have much vision or instinct as to when and where holes will open up on the line and seems to process things slower than most backs. He has burst, but he doesn’t utilize it well when trying to get to the edge. Edwards also never held down a lead-back role in college, so there are worries that he’ll be a rotational player at best in the NFL.
All things considered, there are a lot of promising traits when it comes to Edwards. For him, it’s a matter of putting everything together.
One more potential option for the Las Vegas Raiders
Raheim Sanders, South Carolina
Staying in the power conferences, we have Raheim Sanders out of South Carolina; a player who could be available all the way up until the seventh round.
Sanders has some skills that are similar to the two backs ahead of him on this list. He’s a physical back who does well in short-yardage and goal-line situations. He also has good patience in the backfield coupled with a solid burst when breaking through the line. In the open field, he does a good job at changing his pace, which keeps defenders guessing as they take their angles to tackle him. Sanders has also held down a three-down role in college, so there’s some encouragement there.
However, Sanders doesn’t accelerate extremely quickly, and he’s not the smoothest runner. He has pop as a runner, but doesn’t show it consistently enough. He also doesn’t offer much as a blocker in pass-protection.
Of course, the Raiders could always decide to select a running back in Day 2 of the upcoming draft as well. If that’s what happens, these three running backs make the most sense.
*Top Photo: Getty Images
Three Running Backs Raiders Should Pursue In Day 2 Of 2025 NFL Draft
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