The Raiders need a receiver who can step in and play right away. They’re clearly looking for a cornerback to do the same, evidenced by dogged pursuit of cover men in free agency. They need a defensive tackle to join the rotation, especially with P.J. Hall reportedly on the trading block.
There are lesser-known needs to fill in this week’s NFL draft that could still be addressed relatively high, and that includes an ongoing search at running back, for Josh Jacobs’ backup. DeAndre Washington manned that post last year, but he’s now with the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Raiders have been looking for someone with a different rushing style for some time now, working out every hulking veteran free agent under the sun late last year. Journeyman Rod Smith is the backup right now, though they’d like to upgrade at that spot.
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Jacobs was on pace for 300-plus carries last year before a shoulder fracture in Week 7 eventually cut his season short. He played through pain for weeks, but shut it down in December when the playoffs became less realistic.
Washington fared well in a backup role -- he rarely touched the ball before Jacobs’ injury -- but the Raiders want someone more dynamic in that position in 2020.
There are plenty of good options in later rounds of the NFL draft. The Silver and Black won’t touch the running back position in the first round, so let’s take a look at some fits who could help an already stout rushing attack led by Jacobs, Jalen Richard and a massive offensive line in the middle rounds and beyond.
Zack Moss, Utah
NFL
The former Ute was part of NBC Sports Bay Area’s Raiders mock draft, with Mike Mayock and Jon Gruden selecting him with the No. 81 overall pick. That’s an area where the Raiders could start thinking about another rusher, and Moss seems to be a scheme fit. He’s built a lot like Jacobs and can run an inside zone scheme well, which is a plus. He plays through pain and fights for extra yards through the whistle and isn’t afraid to mix it up inside, which makes Moss an ideal fit despite the fact he’s not the Jerome Bettis lookalike the Raiders might be looking for to complete their position group.
Moss should be a strong consideration for the Raiders, especially if he’s available when they pick at No. 91 overall and the team fills other needs at Nos. 80 and 81. It’s hard to imagine him making to their selection in the fourth round.
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A.J. Dillon, Boston College
The former Eagle is a massive human and an athletic freak with an ideal build for a secondary Raiders rusher. Jon Gruden’s offense works well with a diverse rushing attack, as we saw with Charlie Garner and Tyrone Wheatley in the early 2000s.
Dillon stands 6 feet and 247 pounds, with a punishing style that would accent Jacobs and Richard perfectly. He also has a nose for the end zone and the first-down marker, which would help in short-yardage situations. The Raiders could cross fingers and hope he’s available in the fourth round or reach a smidge and take him with the last of three third-round picks. The Silver and Black offense is darn close to being truly dynamic, and seemingly minor additions like this could make them increasingly tough to stop.
[RELATED: 2020 NFL mock draft: Raiders’ projected picks in all seven rounds]
Darrynton Evans, Appalachian State
Evans has been mock drafted by the Raiders more than once, providing some wiggle in the backfield and a presence in the return game. He’s a one-cut back who has good vision and can elude tacklers in space, something the Raiders are looking for behind that creates gaps into the second level.
Evans seems sure to be around in the fourth round and could be a solid reserve option if Moss and Dillon are gone, or if third-round picks turn out better used on other positions.
Antonio Gibson, Memphis
The former Tiger was considered an athlete in college over being given a specific position and has more collegiate catches than carries. He’s super-fast despite weighing 228 pounds, and could be a weapon on offense Gruden could deploy in unique ways. He could also help as a return man on special teams.
He’s a gadget player the Raiders could use to great effect, including as a backup rusher who only gets a handful of carries per game. This pick is intriguing and definitely worth consideration as the draft moves along.