Last year, the Raiders got their starting running back in Josh Jacobs. The 24th overall pick burst onto the scene, putting of numbers worthy of being named Rookie of the Year. He is unquestionably the team’s feature back. But he needs a back to share some of the load. And that’s where the competition comes in.
Lynn Bowden Jr vs Devontae Booker
Others: Jalen Richard, Rod Smith, William Stanback, Alec Ingold (FB)
Richard is the team’s receiving option out of the backfield. In each of the past two seasons, he’s had more catches than carries. That leaves the job of complementary back to someone else.
For the rookie Bowden it’s a battle for playing time. For Booker it’s a battle for a roster spot. So, basically it means is Bowden proves he can be the guy, Booker is out. If Booker proves he is the better option, the Raiders could carry an extra running back.
Bowden played primarily quarterback and wide receiver at Kentucky, so running back is somewhat of a new position for him. As a quarterback, he’s run the ball a great deal and the Raiders are counting on him showing the same vision as a running back.
Booker was a former fourth-round pick by the Broncos. He put up 612 yards rushing as a rookie, but he averaged a meager 3.5 yards per carry. His carries have gone down every season since and his career average is 3.8 yards per carry.
Last season he carried the ball just two times, playing almost exclusively on special teams. That may not cut it to make the Raiders roster. Especially if it’s a choice between him and a rookie third-round pick.
Gruden sees enough in Booker to add him to the roster. Perhaps it was his play in 2018 when he averaged 5.4 yards per carry on 34 attempts. That’s an average of just over two carries per game. The Raiders will probably want him for more than that. More like 4-6 carries per game.
Again, the decision will likely come down to what Bowden shows. He is a project at running back with the Raiders seeing him ultimately as a Joker H-back type (think Marcel Reece). With roster spots at a premium, if they think he can tote the rock immediately, he will get the nod. If not, Booker could get his shot.
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