The Raiders need a viable starting running back. They signed Raheem Mostert in free agency, but he is more of a complimentary back than a three-down workhorse. Not to mention, he has only had 140+ carries twice in his career.
Just about every mock draft out there has the Raiders selecting Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty with the 6th overall pick. We have discussed this option at length, but if the roster stays as it is heading into the draft, it is certainly a possibility.
Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton had another potential solution for the Silver and Black. In his latest article discussing 7 Surprise Trades That Can Happen, he proposes the idea of the Raiders picking the phone back up and striking another deal with the Seattle Seahawks.
This time for starting running back Kenneth Walker III.
Proposed Trade Sends Seahawks RB Kenneth Walker III To Raiders
Kenneth Walker has been the starting running back in Seattle but has dealt with injuries throughout his career since being drafted in 2022.
In this proposal, the Raiders would receive Walker III in exchange for a 2025 sixth-round pick.
“Raiders head coach Pete Carroll can call his former team and inquire about Kenneth Walker III,” Moton writes. “Seattle may be willing to move on from the 24-year-old because of his declining production and recent injuries. He’s seen a drop-off in his rushing numbers since his 2022 rookie season.”
Also Read: Latest Mock Draft Finally Has Raiders Selecting Someone Not Named Ashton Jeanty
After rushing for over 1,000 yards in his rookie campaign, Walker III has seen a slight regression over the last two years, as Moton alluded to. Most of this is due to injury as he missed 5 games this past season.
Still, he finished with nearly 600 yards on the ground and 7 touchdowns.
“In Walker’s absence, Zach Charbonnet has shown he can handle the majority load on the ground. He led the Seahawks in rushing touchdowns (eight), averaged 4.2 yards per carry, and flashed his reliable hands with 42 catches for 340 yards and a touchdown in 2024,” Moton continued.
With Seattle re-tooling for the future, they may be looking to move one of their backs, and it ultimately comes down to which one they value more.
I could actually see Charbonnet being the better trade option for the Raiders as he has an extra year on his contract, has been healthier, and played for OC Chip Kelly at UCLA. He thrived in Kelly’s system and was one of the best running backs in College Football.
However, for all those reasons, Seattle would more than likely move on from Walker III and build around Charbonnet. Either one would be worth enticing a trade possibility, and it is never a bad idea to bring in a back who has familiarity with the coaching staff and the starting quarterback.
Thoughts, Raider Nation?