Las Vegas Raiders third-year running back Zamir White should find himself in a starring role in 2024. Two-time Pro Bowler Josh Jacobs is no longer in his way after signing with the Green Bay Packers in free agency. His departure should lead to a breakout season for White.
The Raiders selected White with the No. 122 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. Jacobs responded to competition by having the best season of his career, rushing for a career-high (and league-leading) 1,653 yards en route to a first-team All-Pro selection. White was barely involved as a result, rushing for 70 yards via 17 carries.
The 2023 campaign welcomed a bit more opportunity for White. Jacobs failed to replicate 2022's success and also suffered a quad injury down the stretch that cost him the final four games. White maximized his opportunities while Jacobs was sidelined. The former Georgia standout rushed for 145 yards in a stunning Week 16 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. In the Week 18 regular-season finale, White rushed for another 112 yards in a two-score win over the Denver Broncos.
They’ve got that “dawg” in them—Zamir White might end up having a special year courtesy of Andre James and the Raiders’ O-line. pic.twitter.com/CbrXMclFIo
— RaiderRamble.com™ (@TheRaiderRamble) June 6, 2024
All in all, White rushed for 451 yards and a touchdown (4.3 yards per attempt) via 104 total carries throughout the 2023 season. The Laurinburg, North Carolina native also created yards for himself. He averaged 3.21 yards after contact per attempt, according to Pro Football Focus. White forced 15 missed tackles, and generated eight explosive (10-plus) runs.
The Raiders did add a pair of running backs this offseason, however. Veteran ball-carrier Alexander Mattison was signed to a one-year contract following his release from the Minnesota Vikings. Mattison was among the most inefficient backs in the league last season, having averaged a pedestrian 3.9 yards per carry. New general manager Tom Telesco doubled down by selecting former New Hampshire running back Dylan Laube with a sixth-round pick. He's a small-schooler who boosted his pre-draft stock with an outstanding showing at this year's Senior Bowl.
Both Laube and Mattison will be involved, making the Raiders' backfield more of a timeshare, but it'd be shocking if White didn't lead the team in carries.
Other circumstances make predicting a breakout season for White a straightforward expectation. The Raiders have a better offensive line than most realize. Telesco was wise to re-sign center Andre James to a three-year, $24 contract earlier this offseason. Strengthening the interior was a theme as Telesco also drafted Oregon's Jackson-Powers Johnson with a second-round pick. Powers-Johnson will start at right guard this season.
It's fair to wonder how run-heavy the Raiders will be this season. They roster two uninspiring players at quarterback, Aidan O'Connell and Gardner Minshew. The offense ranked 23rd (557) in passing attempts last season and there's legitimate reason to believe full-time head coach Antonio Pierce will further lean on White and his rushing attack throughout 2024. All indications are that White is headed for a breakout season.
