Zamir White is the clear-cut starter at running back entering training camp for the Raiders. The organization couldn’t be any more excited about his potential going into Year 3. However, there are a lot of questions behind him and who will be his primary backup.
The expectation is that Alexander Mattison will be White’s primary backup, but that isn’t set in stone. Mattison signed a one-year deal this offseason, but he has averaged under 4.0 yards per carry in each of the last three seasons, opening the door for someone else to take that job.
In a recent article by Pro Football Focus, they named one rookie for each team that could make a big impact during training camp. For the Raiders, that was none other than Dylan Laube from New Hampshire. Here is why they believe he could win the No. 2 job in camp:
Several rookies are expected to step up for the Raiders in 2024, but perhaps no one has more to gain based on current depth chart positions than Laube. While the New Hampshire product finds himself fourth in Las Vegas’ running back pecking order, he has a clear path to significant snaps after the Raiders let star Josh Jacobs walk in free agency.
Zamir White, Alexander Mattison and Ameer Abdullah are all capable backs, but Laube is a Swiss Army knife. Whatever the Raiders need of him, he can provide — blocking, rushing or receiving. He posted a 90th-percentile PFF receiving grade and an 89th-percentile yards-per-route-run figure in 2023. Special teams could be the sixth-rounder’s calling early in his NFL career.
Laube might already be the best receiver of the group and his ability to win in the passing game would mesh well with White. If the Raiders want a passing-down back, Laube would be the best option. He could have a Jalen Richard type of impact in the NFL and that is what the Raiders are searching for in their No. 2 back.
But just how quickly will Laube rise up the depth chart? It depends on how he performs in camp. But so far, so good for the rookie running back. Keep an eye on him during the remainder of camp and preseason as he competes for a role on the offense.
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