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Raiders' running back competition behind Ashton Jeanty still wide open | Sporting News

Raiders' Running Back Battle Remains Fiercely Contested Amidst Uncertainty

The Las Vegas Raiders' running back room is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing position groups in the NFL as the team heads into the heart of the offseason. With the departure of longtime starter Josh Jacobs to the Green Bay Packers, the Raiders find themselves in a transitional phase at the position. What was once a stable backfield anchored by a proven workhorse has now transformed into a wide-open competition, where no single player has firmly established themselves as the unquestioned leader. This fluidity extends beyond the current roster, with speculation swirling around potential draft additions like Boise State's standout Ashton Jeanty, who could inject even more dynamism into the mix. However, even with such high-profile prospects on the horizon, the battle for carries and roles remains intensely competitive, reflecting the Raiders' broader strategy to build depth and versatility in their ground game.

At the forefront of this competition is Zamir White, the former Georgia Bulldog who stepped into a larger role late last season. White, drafted in the fourth round in 2022, showed flashes of potential when given opportunities, particularly in the final games of the year. His powerful running style, reminiscent of a classic between-the-tackles bruiser, makes him a natural fit for the Raiders' offensive scheme under coordinator Luke Getsy. Getsy, who previously worked with the Chicago Bears, emphasizes a balanced attack that relies on establishing the run to open up play-action opportunities. White's ability to grind out tough yards and his improving vision in reading blocks position him as the presumptive starter heading into training camp. Yet, questions linger about his consistency and ability to handle a full workload. Last season, he averaged a respectable yards per carry, but his limited touches meant he hasn't yet proven he can be a three-down back capable of contributing in the passing game.

Challenging White for the top spot is Alexander Mattison, a veteran addition who joined the Raiders after spending time with the Minnesota Vikings. Mattison brings a wealth of experience, having served as both a backup and occasional starter in Minnesota. His familiarity with zone-blocking schemes aligns well with what the Raiders aim to implement, and his pass-catching skills add a dimension that White is still developing. Mattison's arrival was seen as a low-risk, high-reward move, providing insurance against injuries or underperformance from younger players. In early offseason workouts, Mattison has impressed with his burst and elusiveness, qualities that could earn him significant snaps if he outperforms expectations. The coaching staff has praised his work ethic and leadership, noting how he's mentored younger backs while pushing the pace in drills. However, Mattison's history of nagging injuries raises concerns about his durability over a 17-game season, making his role anything but guaranteed.

Further complicating the picture is the emergence of rookie Dylan Laube, selected in the sixth round out of New Hampshire. Laube represents the wildcard in this competition—a versatile, do-it-all back who excelled in a smaller conference but brings intriguing skills to the pro level. Known for his receiving prowess out of the backfield, Laube could carve out a niche as a third-down specialist, much like how the Raiders have utilized players in the past. His college tape shows a player with excellent hands, route-running ability, and the vision to turn short passes into big gains. In minicamp sessions, Laube has turned heads with his quickness and ability to make defenders miss in space. The Raiders' front office views him as a potential steal, especially in an offense that values backs who can contribute in multiple phases. If Laube adapts quickly to the speed of the NFL, he could force his way into the rotation sooner rather than later, potentially leapfrogging more established names.

Veteran Ameer Abdullah adds another layer of depth and experience to the group. At 31 years old, Abdullah is no stranger to crowded backfields, having bounced around the league with stints in Detroit, Minnesota, and Carolina. His value lies in his reliability as a change-of-pace back and his contributions on special teams, where he's been a standout returner. Abdullah's speed and agility make him a threat in open field, and he's shown he can handle spot duty without missing a beat. While not likely to challenge for the starting role, his presence ensures the Raiders have a safety net, particularly in case of injuries to the top options. The team has also experimented with him in gadget plays, leveraging his versatility to keep defenses off balance.

Beyond the current roster, the specter of the upcoming draft looms large, with Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty emerging as a name frequently linked to the Raiders. Jeanty, a dynamic playmaker who dominated college football with his blend of power, speed, and elusiveness, is projected as a top prospect in the 2025 class. Scouts rave about his ability to break tackles and create explosive plays, drawing comparisons to elite NFL backs. For the Raiders, who hold a high draft pick following a disappointing season, Jeanty represents an opportunity to reset the position with a blue-chip talent. However, the article emphasizes that even if Jeanty is drafted, the competition wouldn't automatically resolve; instead, it would intensify, as he'd need to earn his place among a group of hungry veterans and up-and-comers. The Raiders' management has indicated a willingness to invest in the position, but they're also committed to fostering internal competition to identify the best fits.

This wide-open nature of the running back battle speaks to broader themes in the Raiders' offseason approach. Under new general manager Tom Telesco, the team is prioritizing competition at every position to build a resilient roster capable of withstanding the rigors of the AFC West. Head coach Antonio Pierce has echoed this sentiment, stressing that no jobs are handed out and that performance in training camp and preseason games will determine the pecking order. Pierce's background as a former player gives him insight into motivating a group, and he's been vocal about wanting a "committee" approach if no single back separates themselves. This strategy not only mitigates injury risks but also allows the offense to exploit matchups week to week.

Analysts point out that the Raiders' success in 2024 could hinge on how this backfield shakes out. A strong running game would alleviate pressure on quarterback Aidan O'Connell or whoever wins the starting job, while also complementing the team's defensive strengths. If White solidifies his role, it could signal a return to a power-running identity. Conversely, if Mattison or Laube emerges, the offense might tilt toward more finesse and passing elements. The uncertainty extends to fantasy football implications, where owners are advised to monitor this situation closely, as the eventual starter could provide significant value.

As training camp approaches, all eyes will be on this position group. Practices and preseason matchups will be crucial in sorting out the hierarchy, with joint sessions against teams like the Dallas Cowboys offering early tests. The Raiders' coaching staff plans to rotate reps extensively, giving each back a chance to shine. Injuries, always a wildcard in the NFL, could further scramble the picture, but the depth assembled suggests the team is prepared for various scenarios.

In summary, the Las Vegas Raiders' running back competition is a microcosm of the team's rebuilding efforts—full of potential, rife with questions, and wide open for the taking. Whether it's White holding down the fort, Mattison providing veteran stability, Laube injecting youth, or even a future addition like Jeanty reshaping the room, the battle promises drama and excitement. Fans and pundits alike will be watching closely as the pieces fall into place, hoping this group can power the Silver and Black back into contention. The road ahead is uncertain, but that's what makes the NFL offseason so captivating. (Word count: 1,048)

Read the Full Sporting News Article at:
[ https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/las-vegas-raiders/news/raiders-running-back-competition-behind-ashton-jeanty-still-wide-open/e5c91a22adeb83fad6fad7e4 ]