Raiders add explosive back in latest Mel Kiper Jr. three-round mock draft

NEW YORK – APRIL 28: Mel Kiper, Chris Mortensen and Keyshawn Johnson broadcast for ESPN during the 2007 NFL Draft on April 28, 2007 at Radio City Music Hall in New York, New York. (Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images)

We are less than 10 days away from the NFL Draft and no one has any idea what the Raiders may do in Round 1. The expectation is that they will take either an offensive lineman or a cornerback at No. 13, but we can’t rule out the possibility that they will go in a different direction.

But one position the Raiders could target on Day 2 of the NFL Draft is running back. After losing Josh Jacobs in free agency to the Packers, they have yet to adquetly replace him. But the second and third rounds of this year’s draft are rich with talent.

In a recent mock draft by Mel Kiper Jr. of ESPN, he mocked Tennessee RB Jaylen Wright to the Raiders in the third round. Here is why he believes that could be a fantastic fit for both the player and the team:

Finally, another running back off the board. The Raiders lost Josh Jacobs, which means there are opportunities for touches in 2024. Wright averaged 7.4 yards per rush in 2023, which ranked third in the FBS.

Wright would give the Raiders a much-needed bolt of speed into their offense and would allow Zamir White to be used as the power back in Luke Getsy’s offense. Wright isn’t an every-down back (yet), but he has homerun ability on every play and would be a nice addition to the offense.

Look for the Raiders to draft a running back sometime on Day 2 of the NFL Draft.

This article originally appeared on Raiders Wire: Raiders add explosive back in latest Mel Kiper Jr. three-round mock draft