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Oakland Raiders: Jalen Richard, DeAndre Washington trade scenarios possible

By Maurice Moton

OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 24: Running back DeAndre Washington #33 of the Oakland Raiders picks up a first down against safety T.J. Green #32 of the Indianapolis Colts in the third quarter on December 24, 2016 at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, California. The Raiders won 33-25. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 24: Running back DeAndre Washington #33 of the Oakland Raiders picks up a first down against safety T.J. Green #32 of the Indianapolis Colts in the third quarter on December 24, 2016 at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, California. The Raiders won 33-25. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) /
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The Oakland Raiders must answer a few question marks before the running back depth chart materializes. What are some possibilities during the offseason?

Just two years ago, the Oakland Raiders fielded the No. 6 ground attack featuring running backs Latavius Murray, DeAndre Washington and Jalen Richard. Widespread praise went to general manager Reggie McKenzie for finding late-rounders and an undrafted free agent to bolster the rushing offense.

Now, head coach Jon Gruden must address the backfield schematically. Based on his staff’s evaluation, team brass may move some parts around to create opportunity.

Don’t feed into the narrative that allowing Latavius Murray walk away in free agency meant all the difference. Running back Marshawn Lynch narrowly outgained the Minnesota Vikings ball-carrier on the ground (891 vs. 842) with slightly fewer carries (216 vs. 207).

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Former head coach Jack Del Rio turned his offense over to then-rookie offensive coordinator Todd Downing, which factored into the unit’s regression in hindsight. Looking forward, Gruden must tweak a few things then decide what pieces fit in the backfield.

Why might second-year tailbacks Richard and Washington hear their names in trade talks?

First, let’s take a look at the Raiders’ running back depth chart. There’s little long-term commitment to any of the four ball-carriers. The team has wiggle room for change.

*RB Depth Chart

  • Marshawn Lynch (Unrestricted free agent in 2019)
  • DeAndre Washington (Unrestricted free agent in 2020)
  • Jalen Richard (Restricted free agent in 2019)
  • Elijah Hood (Exclusive-rights free agent in 2019)

*Note: Contracts details courtesy of Spotrac.

Gruden has already expressed his desire to crown Beast Mode as the team’s feature back if he’s willing to take on full-time responsibilities, per SI.com’s S.L. Price:

"“I said to him: ‘I need Marshawn Lynch. I don’t need this part-time Lynch. I need full-time Lynch,” Gruden said."

Lynch’s return would lock up the bulk of carries for at least a year with complementary help behind him on the depth chart. In this scenario, Washington and Richard fit the backfield puzzle.

However, typically, a new coaching staff brings in new ideas for the offense. Gruden and offensive coordinator Greg Olson may decide to draft another running back who will eventually take over Beast Mode’s featured position.

Though it’s unlikely, how can the Raiders pass on running back Saquon Barley if he inexplicably falls to No. 9 or No. 10 in the draft? Furthermore, what’s plan B if Lynch walks away from the league again? There’s plenty of time to ponder one’s future between April’s draft and the regular-season opener in September.

Staring at a deep running back class, the Raiders may fall deeply for a prospect in the second or third round, which isn’t McKenzie’s style, but we should consider Gruden’s influence.

Marshawn Lynch Plus a Draft Pick Can Trigger a Trade

Let’s say Lynch guts out another year with the Raiders and the team acquires another prospect in April as a potential long-term starter behind him. The scraps left for Washington and Richard would suggest one would take on a significantly lesser role for the 2018 campaign.

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Oakland could open trade talks to acquire talent or a future draft pick for either of the two serviceable players. Before the offensive collapse during the previous season, Washington and Richard flashed as productive dual-threat running backs as rookies. Both accumulated more than 550 yards from scrimmage during the 2016 term. In today’s league, it’s common to utilize two-man backfields.

A club that missed out on a coveted free agent or top names in the 2018 class may opt to bring in an asset with pro strengths and weaknesses already on film. With limited touches to go around, why wouldn’t the Raiders consider dealing an underutilized player for a future draft pick or depth at a shallow position.

In this case with non-featured players, it’s better to capitalize on value rather than bury an asset on the depth chart.

What About Elijah Hood?

There’s also an unknown in the backfield. Running back Elijah Hood only played eight special teams snaps in 2017. However, new coaches in the building could renew opportunities for the North Carolina product in the upcoming season.

Many compared Hood’s run style to Lynch during the draft process. Due to similarities between Washington and Richard, the Raiders may attempt to see what they have in the 6-0, 220-pound tailback.

Next: 2018 NFL Mock Draft: Full two-round projection

An impressive offseason could inspire a discussion about workload distribution behind the featured running back. Again, Washington and Richard have flashed as capable ball-carriers and receivers. Inactivity may encourage another team to at least inquire about their availability.

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