The Raiders offensive backfield is getting crowded.
Everyone knows Jon Gruden drafted Josh Jacobs to be his featured runner, but the roster depth behind Jacobs could prove to be nearly as valuable.
Jalen Richard has long been assumed to be no. 2 running back in Gruden’s offense, but don’t rule out DeAndré Washington getting as much time on the field as Richard – or even more.
“Washington is totally over the knee surgery from before last season and looks much faster and crisper than he did last season,” Tafur wrote in The Athletic on Tuesday.
“He made the roster last year as the No. 4 running back, and either Gruden is carrying four again or Washington is beating out Doug Martin. And the vet Martin is a Gruden Grinder, so that’s why we went with four on the most recent 53-man projection.”
Tafur projected Martin to make the team – potentially as a fourth running back. But Gruden would have to think twice before keeping a 30 year-old fourth-string running back.
For what it’s worth, it seems like Washington brings as much right now to the table as Richard, who is seemingly ahead of Washington on the depth chart. But Washington is the superior short yardage runner and has graded far better in pass protection than Richard in each of the past two years, according to ProFootballFocus.
Washington, when healthy, looks like the most versatile and complete backup to Jacobs. We’ll find out soon if Gruden sees it that way, too.
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D Wash looking rocked up and strong on offense. Still would like to see him do more on special teams but I’d be surprised if he got cut. Definitely better this year, over the knee surgery