Raiders Camp Battle: Crowded RB Room Invites Fierce Competition
During the 2022 NFL Draft/UDFA weekend, the Las Vegas Raiders enhanced the running back room. Now, which backs?
If you know nothing of anything else about the new regime, they love competition. With a stunning seven running backs on the roster, the summer provides ample, thorough opportunity for Vegas to craft the stable of backs they truly desire. Now, the preseason games, along with camp become of ultimate importance to these players. For the first time, in what seems like years, the offense boasts multiple playmakers at more than one position. Depth helps franchises withstand an injury or the normal attrition that affects teams. By all indications, the Raiders look committed to the run.
Josh Jacobs
With his fifth-year option declined, Jacobs will play for his next contract. Whether with the Raiders or not, Jacobs will cash a hefty check in 2023. Under those circumstances, look at a back that will run with reckless abandon. The old sports theory of players excelling in contract years holds water. At the same time, the new regime prefers splitting carries among multiple players. In that case, Jacobs will need to make the proverbial dollar out of fifteen cents.
Kenyan Drake
Like Jacobs, Drake enters a contract year, hoping to ink a lucrative deal. On the other hand, Drake resides in his prime, heading towards 29. However, Jon Gruden did not horse him early and will be relatively fresh heading into 2022. Drake also provides kick return and pass-catching experience, areas that Jacobs won’t see the field during. A matchup nightmare for linebackers, he easily gains the corner with the ability to make defenders miss.
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Brandon Bolden
The consummate Patriot-type player, Bolden earned every pro paycheck by doing everything asked. An undrafted free agent a decade ago, Bolden offers receiving and special teams expertise to give the coaching staff another versatile piece on this team. Bolden’s toughness shows on an off the field. Anyone that battled epidermoid carcinoma without missing a beat will fight hard for that coveted roster spot.
Zamir White
Blessed with power and just enough explosion to break a long run, the former Georgia product fits seamlessly into the offense. As mentioned, Josh Jacobs could find himself on the way out of Vegas. As a result, White could serve as an understudy until he’s ready to grab the snaps next year. Dave Ziegler didn’t select White out of anything but envisioning him like another Georga product, Sony Michel. The Raiders will mirror the Patriots in this respect.
The Long Shots
Rounding out the depth chart are a trio of runners that will fight for a spot, a practice squad add or see their releases. First, Ameer Abdullah, despite his return skills feels rather redundant in this group. Nevertheless, he will contend for one of the last spots. Next, the Raiders picked Brittain Brown, who also feels like a carbon copy of other backs on this team. Moreover, the Raiders could stash him on the practice squad for emergencies. Lastly, Sincere McCormick, the gifted UTSA standout averaged 5.4 yards per carry. He brings a similar style to the group: A compact runner that will bring a power element. Tough sledding could see him end up on the practice squad as well.
Overall Outlook
The Las Vegas Raiders will bring at least four back to their first regular-season game. Barring injury, Jacobs, Drake, Bolden, and White l earn spots. In contrast, McCormick and Brown will settle on the practice squad. As for Ameer Abdullah, he will ply his trade somewhere outside Nevada.
