Many thought that Roy Helu Jr. would be a solid secondary/third down running back option for the Oakland Raiders when they signed him in free agency last offseason. The former Washington Redskin enjoyed some productive seasons in D.C., averaging 4.6 yards per carry in his three healthy seasons. However, his first year in Oakland did not go exactly as planned.
Helu appeared in just nine games this past season while only receiving 17 total carries for 39 yards (2.3 YPC). He didn't make much of an impact as a third-down back, either, catching just nine total passes for 75 yards. As a result, the 27-year-old ball-carrier finds himself on the roster bubble for the Raiders.
"In the non-D.J. Hayden category, let's look at a position group that added a couple of players who resemble our candidate, one via the draft in DeAndre Washington and another in undrafted free agent Jalen Richard," ESPN Raiders reporter Paul Gutierrez wrote. "Yes, Helu Jr. could be on the bubble because Latavius Murray is the featured back, the Raiders still have speedster Taiwan Jones, and Washington and Richard have similar skill sets to Helu, who was not seen during the team's intial voluntary organized team activities practice."
Murray did not win everyone in the organization over despite ranking sixth in the NFL in rushing yards with 1,066. But given Oakland's additions to the offensive line this offseason, it's reasonable to expect him to once again be among the top rushers in the NFL in 2016. Helu was never expected to be the team's starter, but given the presence of Murray, it's understandable that the Raiders may opt for younger, less expensive options to fill out the remainder of the depth chart. Helu is a good player, but the Raiders want to know what kind of upside they have in Washington, Richard and Jones.
Helu also underwent surgery this offseason, and it is unknown if he is 100 percent recovered. A slow start in minicamp could lead to his eventual release this offseason given the handful of other options the Raiders now have at the position.
