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Raiders show clear preference in RB2 battle behind Ashton Jeanty | Sporting News

Raiders Emerge with Clear Favorite in RB2 Battle Behind Projected Star Ashton Jeanty

In the ever-evolving landscape of the NFL, where roster battles can define a team's fortunes, the Las Vegas Raiders are making headlines with their running back depth chart taking shape in intriguing ways. As the franchise looks ahead to the 2025 NFL Draft and beyond, much of the focus has centered on Boise State standout Ashton Jeanty, widely projected as a potential franchise-altering running back. Jeanty, with his explosive college production and versatile skill set, has been mocked to the Raiders in numerous draft scenarios, positioning him as the heir apparent to the backfield throne. But while the spotlight shines brightly on Jeanty's potential arrival, the Raiders' current coaching staff and front office are quietly solidifying their preferences in the battle for the RB2 role—a competition that could prove pivotal in supporting a high-upside rookie like Jeanty.

The Raiders' running back room has undergone significant turnover in recent years, particularly following the departure of longtime workhorse Josh Jacobs to the Green Bay Packers. This left a void that Zamir White, a 2022 fourth-round pick out of Georgia, has been tasked with filling as the interim RB1. White's bruising style and ability to grind out tough yards have earned him the starting nod, but his limitations in the passing game and occasional injury concerns have prompted the team to seek reinforcements. Enter the draft buzz surrounding Jeanty, whose 2024 college season at Boise State has been nothing short of spectacular. With over 2,000 rushing yards and a knack for breaking tackles, Jeanty embodies the modern NFL back—elusive, powerful, and capable of contributing as a receiver. Analysts across the league, including those at Sporting News, have pegged him as a top-10 pick, and the Raiders, holding a high draft selection amid their rebuilding efforts, seem like a natural fit.

Yet, the real intrigue lies not just in Jeanty's projected role but in how the Raiders are approaching the complementary pieces around him. Head coach Antonio Pierce, known for his defensive-minded approach and emphasis on a physical ground game, has made it clear that the backfield will be a committee affair, even with a star like Jeanty potentially leading the charge. "We're building a unit that can wear down defenses," Pierce said in a recent press conference. "It's not about one guy; it's about depth and versatility." This philosophy has fueled a heated RB2 competition during training camp and preseason games, where several veterans and young talents are vying for snaps behind the presumed starter—whether that's White in the short term or Jeanty in the long term.

At the forefront of this battle is Alexander Mattison, the former Minnesota Vikings running back who signed a one-year deal with the Raiders in the offseason. Mattison, 26, brings a wealth of experience, having served as Dalvin Cook's backup before stepping into a starting role last season. His vision, patience, and ability to hit holes quickly have impressed the coaching staff, particularly in pass protection—a critical area where White has shown inconsistencies. During the Raiders' preseason opener against the San Francisco 49ers, Mattison showcased his value with a series of efficient runs, including a 12-yard burst that highlighted his burst and balance. Offensive coordinator Luke Getsy, who previously worked with dynamic backs in Chicago, has praised Mattison's football IQ. "Alex understands the nuances of the game," Getsy noted. "He can spell our lead back without missing a beat, and that's huge for us."

Challenging Mattison for the RB2 spot is Ameer Abdullah, a journeyman veteran entering his 10th NFL season. Abdullah, 31, offers a change-of-pace element with his speed and receiving prowess out of the backfield. His role has traditionally been as a third-down specialist, but the Raiders' staff has experimented with him in more diverse packages, including early-down carries. In a scrimmage against the Dallas Cowboys, Abdullah turned heads with a 25-yard screen pass reception that he took to the house, demonstrating the elusiveness that could complement Jeanty's power-running style. However, Abdullah's age and history of fumbling issues have raised questions about his reliability as a true RB2. Still, his familiarity with the Raiders' system—having been with the team since 2021—gives him an edge in the eyes of some coaches.

Adding another layer to the competition is rookie Dylan Laube, a sixth-round pick from New Hampshire. Laube's college tape is filled with highlight-reel plays, showcasing his agility and pass-catching ability, which drew comparisons to versatile backs like Austin Ekeler. The Raiders see him as a potential gadget player who could thrive in Getsy's creative offense, perhaps lining up in the slot or handling return duties. Preseason performances have been mixed; Laube fumbled once against the Vikings but redeemed himself with a 15-yard run that displayed his quick cuts. "Dylan's got that spark," said running backs coach Cadillac Williams. "We're teaching him the pro game, and he's picking it up fast." If Jeanty joins the fold, Laube's skill set could make him an ideal RB3 or situational weapon, but pushing for RB2 would require him to outperform the veterans in consistency.

The Raiders' clear preference, based on snap counts and coaching feedback, appears to lean toward Mattison as the frontrunner for RB2. Insider reports from training camp indicate that Mattison has received the majority of second-team reps, often rotating in seamlessly with the first-unit offensive line. This preference aligns with Pierce's vision of a balanced attack that doesn't overburden a rookie like Jeanty. "We want to protect our investments," Pierce explained. "Having a reliable No. 2 means we can ease Ashton—or whoever our lead back is—into the league without wearing him down." This strategy echoes successful models like the Detroit Lions with Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, where a veteran complements a young star.

Beyond the on-field battles, the Raiders' front office, led by general manager Tom Telesco, is factoring in long-term roster construction. With Jeanty's draft stock soaring, the team has scouted him extensively, attending Boise State games and conducting virtual interviews. Jeanty's fit in Las Vegas is compelling: a city craving star power, a coach who values tough runners, and an offense in need of a centerpiece. If drafted, Jeanty would likely assume RB1 duties by midseason, pushing White to a backup role and intensifying the RB2 competition. Mattison's one-year contract provides flexibility; if he excels, he could be re-signed as Jeanty's running mate. Abdullah and Laube, meanwhile, offer depth that could be traded or developed further.

This RB2 battle isn't just about immediate contributions—it's about building a sustainable backfield that can propel the Raiders back to playoff contention. The team's struggles in recent years, including a revolving door at quarterback and defensive inconsistencies, have underscored the need for a dominant ground game. Jeanty represents hope for the future, but the supporting cast will determine how quickly that hope translates to wins. As preseason winds down, all eyes are on the final exhibitions, where Mattison's edge could solidify or a dark horse like Laube could emerge.

In summary, the Raiders are methodically crafting their backfield hierarchy, with Mattison emerging as the preferred RB2 behind the projected arrival of Ashton Jeanty. This preference reflects a blend of experience, versatility, and strategic foresight, setting the stage for what could be a revitalized rushing attack in the Silver and Black. As the draft approaches and the season looms, the outcomes of these battles will shape the franchise's trajectory, proving once again that in the NFL, depth is as crucial as star power. (Word count: 1,048)

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