Oakland Raiders: Jon Gruden’s offseason hits and misses

Miss: Signing RB Doug Martin

Gruden couldn’t resist running back Doug Martin, who reportedly impressed him in an interview, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Maybe the Oakland swag sealed the deal. The 29-year-old will share the backfield with another native from The Town in Lynch.

History indicates Gruden values a tailback who can run and catch out of the backfield, which explains the interest in Martin. He’s logged 1,600-plus yards from scrimmage in two seasons but also failed to reach 600 total yards in four campaigns.

The former Tampa Bay Buccaneer has also struggled with off-field transgressions, which led to suspensions. When active, he’s logged just 2.9 yards per carry in each of the last two seasons.

Martin isn’t a lock to earn a spot on the 53-man roster, but it’s money that Gruden should’ve spent elsewhere. The Raiders already have two dual-threat running backs in Jalen Richard and DeAndre Washington who performed well as rookies under former offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave. Their numbers took a downturn but that entire unit face-planted under Todd Downing who served as a play-caller in 2017.

North Carolina product Elijah Hood will have a difficult time showing his best with four tailbacks in front of him. Barring an injury, he’s likely the odd man out at the position.

The 2018 draft class will have quality running backs likely available as late as the third or fourth round. After seeing young ball-carriers like Kareem Hunt, Alvin Kamara, Aaron Jones and Tarik Cohen emerge in lead and complementary roles as middle-round draftees, why bring in a 29-year-old off consecutive poor seasons?