The Las Vegas Raiders should spend one of their late-round draft picks on a running back.
As of present, the Las Vegas Raiders are expected to have eight picks in the 2024 NFL Draft, giving them plenty of room to address multiple position groupings.
The Raiders should choose a running back to have a young option for at least the next four years, but since a back is unlikely to be a top priority in Las Vegas, they should do so on Day 3.
A halfback prospect who could be available when Day 3 rolls around is Will Shipley of Clemson.
Shipley rushed for 827 yards, five touchdowns, 244 receiving yards, and two scores in 12 games (eight starts) for the Tigers past season. Phil Steele and the College Football Network recognized him as an All-ACC honorable mention and All-ACC Third Team selection.
The prospect helped Clemson achieve a 9-4 record, including a narrow 38-35 victory over Kentucky in the Gator Bowl, in which he had 134 all-purpose yards, including a 60-yard kickoff return to contribute to the Tigers’ late comeback. They were behind 21-10 heading into the fourth quarter.
Pro Football Focus gave Shipley an overall grade of 72.9 for his 2023 season.
Shipley did not participate in NFL Combine drills, but he did showcase his abilities at Clemson’s Pro Day. According to NFL Next Gen Stats, the 5-foot-11, 206-pound halfback has an athleticism score of 85, ranking seventh among halfbacks in his draft class. He also received a total of 75 points (seventh among halfbacks) and a production score of 66.
The following is NFL analyst Lance Zierlein’s assessment on Shipley:
“A versatile running back with ability to run, receive, and return kicks. Shipley has excellent early speed, allowing him to cut through creases and outrun linebackers to the corner. He’s a versatile runner who reads the linebackers and plans his runs with an eye for both defensive positioning and run lane development. He can maintain equilibrium throughout contact but is unlikely to move NFL loads. Shipley sets up opponents from anywhere on the field and is agile enough to hop and hurdle over bodies. He’s not a workhorse and still has work to do to secure himself as a third-down option, but the athletic talent and skill level might create an early avenue into a position as a productive RB2.”
The NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Mich., on April 25-27, 2024. The Las Vegas Raiders currently have the No. 13 overall pick.