Raiders Running Backs - '08 Outlook

If the Oakland Raiders plan on digging themselves out of a half-decade hole -- one filled with 61 losses in 80 contests -- they'll have to do it the hard way in 2008.

That means on the ground -- one carry at a time.

Luckily, this year's Raiders team is built for heavy action on the ground. They have an O-line coach in Tom Cable who's mastered the zone blocking scheme, a pair of mean fullbacks and a line built for the run.

And, most importantly (and obviously), they have seven running backs. Here's an alphabetical breakdown of what's in store for each in 2008:

 

Name: Michael Bush

Background: The 2007 fourth-rounder spent the entire season on the bench recovering from a broken right tibia that forced him to sit out most of his last year with Louisville . Still, the 6-foot-1, 245-pounder finished his college career with 2,508 rushing yards and 39 touchdowns (23 of which came in 2005).

How he'll be used: On third-and-short and goal-line situations. Bush is 25 pounds heavier than any running back with a realistic chance to make the Raider roster, and easing him into short-yardage situations will be a good way to give the rusty, hungry halfback some much-needed playing time.

Projected stats: 85 carries for 345 yards (4.0 yards per carry) and five touchdowns.

 

Name: Adimchinobi Echemandu

Background: Echemandu was a training camp standout for the Raiders last year, but Oakland cut him before he could prove himself during the regular season. The 27-year-old has spent the last four seasons with four different teams, and he will likely need to find another home in 2008.

How he'll be used: Won't make 53-man roster.

Projected stats: N/A

 

Name: Justin Fargas

Background: The longtime backup for Oakland finally was given a chance to carry a larger load over the past two seasons and has shown that he can get the job done when healthy. After racking up 659 yards in six starts in ‘06, the 220-pounder ran for 1,009 yards and four TDs in just seven nods last season. The addition of rookie Darren McFadden will likely hurt the sixth-year runner's numbers this season; however, expect him to continue to improve on every run.

How he'll be used: Early in the season and on first and second downs. Fargas will see his most action early on in 2008, when McFadden will be gradually adjusting to life in the NFL. When both ball carriers are at full speed, however, expect to see Fargas primarily on first downs but also on scattered second downs, depending on the situation. McFadden will likely be used more as a dual threat, so when Fargas is in the game, expect him to either run or throw a block.

Projected stats: 160 carries for 685 yards (4.3 yards per carry) and three touchdowns.

 

Name: Tony Jackson

Background: The 6-2, 255-pounder entered the NFL as a tight end, shifted to fullback when Oakland signed him to its practice squad in 2006 and is now listed as a running back. With no on-field NFL experience under his belt, however, don't expect Jackson to make it anywhere on the team's roster.

How he'll be used: Won't make it out of preseason.

Projected stats: N/A

 

Name: LaMont Jordan

Background: Survey says: Fans have heard enough about Jordan . The only question surrounding this eighth-year vet is when he'll be cut.

How he'll be used: On a team other than the Oakland Raiders.

Projected stats: Doesn't matter.

 

Name: Darren McFadden

Background: The fourth overall choice in the ‘08 draft has every quality you look for in a young running back -- speed, size and a heck of a résumé. The 6-2, 210-pounder, who ran a 4.33 40-yard dash, racked up more than 4,500 yards on 5.8 yards per carry at Arkansas to accompany 44 rushing touchdowns. Along with second-year passer and '07 No. 1 overall pick JaMarcus Russell, McFadden is slated to become one of the faces of the Raiders' franchise very quickly.

How he'll be used: Lane Kiffin and company will be very careful in how they use the 20-year-old rusher early on in the season; however, it won't be much of a surprise if McFadden is starting by Oct. 12, the game after the team's Week 5 bye. Once let loose, the rookie will likely take over the majority of the team's reps on the ground and will also be used heavily on the third-down situations in which a pass is expected. With so much versatility, McFadden will quickly become a player who's difficult to keep on the bench.

Projected stats: 215 carries for 1,015 yards (4.7 yards per carry) and eight touchdowns.

 

Name: Louis Rankin

Background: The undrafted rookie from Washington was in talks with four franchises before electing to join the Raiders' crowded backfield this offseason. The 6-1, 205-pounder racked up 1,294 rushing yards for the Huskies last season and has shown the ability to protect well on passing downs. However, with only so many spots available for halfbacks in Oakland , Rankin will likely not get much of an opportunity to display his upside for the Raiders.

How he'll be used: In preseason and perhaps on the practice squad.

 

 

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