The Oakland Raiders may look at adding some depth behind starting running back Latavius Murray this offseason and names like Ezekiel Elliott, Derrick Henry, Arian Foster, Marshawn Lynch and Matt Forte could be potential targets.
The Raiders took positive steps as a franchise in 2015 and the roster now has a young core with Derek Carr, Murray, Amari Cooper and Khalil Mack to build around. Jack Del Rio appears to be the right coach for this group and this offseason Reggie McKenzie could look at making additions on both sides of the ball. The team has a nice amount of cap space and could spend in free agency and the Raiders also have the chance to build through the draft, which they have been starting to successfully over the past few years.
The Raiders have the number 15 overall pick in the first round of the draft and that gives the team the chance to add a solid prospect to the roster. Mel Kiper at ESPN has the team taking Jack Conkling with that pick, while NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah has Robert Nkemdiche going to the Raiders. The team also may consider taking a running back with that selection (or a later one) as the Raiders could use an upgrade on the roster behind Murray.
Last year the team signed Roy Helu to be the main backup and third down option for Murray, but he did not produce enough in 2015 along with Taiwan Jones. Murray proved that he could be a strong starter in the league while rushing for over 1000 yards, but the Raiders still ranked near the bottom of the league in overall rushing yards. That could lead to McKenzie looking for another running back to play behind Murray for next season.
Chris Simms at Bleacher Report suggests that Arian Foster could be a solid fit for the Raiders, as he is expected to get released by the Houston Texans this offseason. Foster is one of the best in the league at catching the ball out of the backfield and that could make him the perfect target for the Raiders if he can prove he is healthy. Lynch is expected to get released by the Seahawks and if he doesn't retire, he also could be a target for the Raiders as a backup for Murray.
Henry and Elliott are considered to be the top two running backs in the draft this year and they could be targets if they are on the board for the Raiders in the first or second round. Walter Football has Elliott ranked as the top RB in the draft after rushing for 1821 yards and 23 TDs at Ohio state last season, while Henry is listed as the second ranked back. Henry won the Heisman this season and rushed for 2061 yards and 25 touchdowns for Alabama.
