The Las Vegas Raiders are making significant changes as they enter the 2025 NFL offseason, focusing on upgrading their running back position. With the need for a strong ground game more pressing than ever, the team recently signed Raheem Mostert, formerly of the Miami Dolphins, to bolster their backfield after losing Alexander Mattison, who also moved to Miami.
As free agency unfolds, the Raiders are not yet finished enhancing their running back corps. Currently, they have Ameer Abdullah still exploring free agency, while returning players include Zamir White, Dylan Laube, Sincere McCormick, Chris Collier, and Isaiah Spiller. This mixed bag of talent presents both an opportunity and a challenge for the Raiders, who hope to solidify a reliable running game to support newly appointed quarterback Geno Smith.
Rumblings within the league suggest that the Raiders will likely focus on drafting a top-quality running back in the early rounds, particularly with the No. 6 overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. Speculation points toward Ashton Jeanty, the standout running back from Boise State, as a prime candidate. His profile as a player is enticing, presenting a chance to inject fresh energy into a weak ground attack.
However, not everyone is convinced that Jeanty will be the choice when the Raiders are on the clock. Hondo Carpenter, a Raiders insider, expressed skepticism, stating, "There are a lot of holes on this Raider team... I find it very difficult if they have the sixth pick to believe that they're going to take Jeanty." Carpenter’s insights reflect broader concerns about the team’s overall roster needs, implying the situation might warrant a different approach than simply focusing on a running back.
Carpenter pointed out that the Raiders have cultivated free agents who can fill effective roles and stressed the importance of playing the draft smartly, similar to their previous successes in 2024 under new leadership, including coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Spytek.
When discussing Jeanty's potential and why he’s regarded as a top-tier prospect, draft analyst Lance Zierlein weighed in on the subject, saying, "Jeanty plays a position that has become devalued on draft day... but his unique talent and the resurgence of the run game in the NFL should force teams to reconsider that factor... Jeanty has future All-Pro talent." This endorsement positions Jeanty not merely as another player but as someone capable of becoming the face of an offense that leans increasingly towards a stronger running game.
In the wake of these developments, it’s crucial to note the context in which Mostert was acquired. While he enjoyed a solid season in 2023, he faced struggles during 2024, exacerbated by his age—Mostert will be 33. The Athletic also reported that the Raiders could be open to trading other players, including Zamir White, who after starting Week 1, faced difficulties in his performance throughout the last season. Such internal discussions could significantly redirect the Raiders' plan as the draft approaches.
With potential targets like Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty and North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton, the Raiders are facing a crucial juncture in building their future. The team’s initial steps in free agency and the upcoming draft will shape the trajectory of their offense, especially aiming to provide necessary support to Geno Smith. Achieving a functional and formidable running game could very well define the success of the team in the coming seasons.
