The Oakland Raiders finished dead last in rushing offense last season, mustering a measly 77.5 yards per game on the ground. Normally, when a team has a young quarterback like the Raiders do in Derek Carr, they try to build up the running game to alleviate some pressure. Unfortunately for Carr, that was not the case last season. But since Jack Del Rio became head coach this offseason it appears to have become a top priority.
"Something that sticks out about the Raiders in free agency is that they are trying to get better in the run game," ESPN Raiders reporter Bill Williamson said. "What did they do? They went out and signed center Rodney Hudson as their premiere free agent. He's a guy who can really get going in the run game, get in front of people, clear lanes. They signed Trent Richardson. He's going to compete with Latavius Murray at starter. They signed Lee Smith, a blocking tight end from Buffalo. Bill Musgrave, the new offensive coordinator in Oakland, is a run first guy. Obvious from the free agent pickups, they want to set the tempo. Certainly Derek Carr, the young quarterback, is going to throw the ball. But the Raiders are setting up the pass with the run and it's clear by these offseason pickups."
Del Rio is revamping the running game, that much is obvious. But the most important aspect of a quality ground attack - a good running back - may still be missing. The Raiders are high on Murray but he has just 82 career carries since being drafted in 2013. Richardson isn't much more than a punchline at this point. So should the Raiders be looking to add another running back and, if so, who should it be?
"The Raiders could have a surplus of cap room while others are struggling to stay under the cap," Williamson wrote. "That could be an advantage. It also could help them in the trade market if a team decides to unload a player. If the Vikings end up trading running back Adrian Peterson, the Raiders (whose offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave worked with Peterson in Minnesota) could emerge as a possibility."
Oakland has roughly $20 million in cap space at the moment. Although Minnesota has said that they are not willing to part ways with Peterson, that tune could change as the NFL draft approaches. If so, Peterson would be a big improvement to the run game.
