Raiders Forced to Boost Former Chiefs RB’s Stats
The running back room of the Las Vegas Raiders will appear a little different coming season as Josh Jacobs has moved on to the Green Bay Packers. Although Zamir White is anticipated to start, there ought to be some opposition.
The Raiders acquired Alexander Mattison and selected Dylan Laube this offseason, but according to Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox, the team still needs to add more. He is pressuring the organization to sign Jerick McKinnon, a former running back for the Kansas City Chiefs.
In a May 6 editorial, Knox stated, “Jerick McKinnon would be a logical candidate for a couple of reasons.” “Having played for the opposing Kansas City Chiefs for the previous three seasons, he would bring some divisional familiarity to the table.” In Kansas City, he excelled as a pass-catcher as well, recording 94 receptions in three years.
“Las Vegas would have another option for the third-down role and some insurance in the event that Laube isn’t ready to contribute right away with the addition of McKinnon.”
During his final three seasons with the Chiefs, McKinnon won two Super Bowl rings. His primary position has been that of a receiver out of the backfield; in 2022, he had 512 receiving yards. Although it’s unclear how much gas he still has left in him at 32, he would be a cheap addition if the Raiders decide to sign another running back.
The Raiders in Las Vegas Don’t Need Another Third-Down Back
For the Raiders, adding a running back like McKinnon seems a little excessive. Ameer Abdullah, who is primarily recognized as a receiving back, was already on the team. Abdullah is the player who makes the most sense to take on a heavier workload if Laube needs an additional year to prepare for the NFL.
Though it’s unlikely that McKinnon’s insights into the Chiefs’ operations would have a significant impact, he would offer some knowledge. Additionally, he might want to sign with a team where there isn’t a running back shortage. Although McKinnon is a talented player, the Raiders already have six running backs on the roster, so they won’t have much more need for him in the future.
Dylan Laube Confesses to Being Weird
Although Laube wasn’t a household name before the draft, he is one of the most intriguing prospects. The former standout player from New Hampshire was selected in the sixth round and didn’t see much elite opposition in college.
But he’s thrilled about the chance and prepared to go above and beyond to win over the Raiders and the fans.
May 4 Adam Hill of the Las Vegas Review-Journal quoted Laube as saying, “I know the fan base is crazy, and I’m crazy, too.” “I’m going to make it entertaining for the fans with my style of play and my personality, whether I’m in the backfield, the slot, or special teams.
“I’m going to have a blast out there and I’m going to make it so enjoyable for the fans.” I will take pleasure in the process, but I will give it my all each and every day. I have a lot to offer.
Laube sounds quite assured, which might help him stick out in the early going of his NFL career.
