Oakland Raiders: Running Back Options Not Named Lynch Or Peterson
By Kevin Saito
A lack of top speed is one of the things keeping Hood from being among the top backs in the Draft. They say that he lacks the elusiveness and ability to consistently get to the edge, which will be a hinderance in his NFL career.
But as part of a system, or a committee, Hood can probably thrive. They already have a pair of backs in Washington and Richard who can get to the edge. What they need is a banger who can bully his way through the line and grind out the tough yards – which is exactly what Hood can do for this team.
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Over his three seasons at North Carolina, Hood racked up 2.580 rushing yards – an average of 6.0 yards per carry – and 29 touchdowns. His best season came as a sophomore when he was healthy and not splitting carries with another back. That year, he ran for 1,463 yards – on a healthy average of 6.7 yards per carry – and 17 touchdowns, showing that he does have the ability to be a featured back.
He’s also probably one of the better pass protecting backs in this Draft, and that too, is essential for whoever the Raiders put in the backfield.
Hood is an instinctive and decisive runner who – while he doesn’t have blazing speed – can power his way through the line, break through arm tackles, and can deliver a blow to the linebackers or safeties who try to bring him down.
He’ll never be mistaken for a Christian McCaffrey, Leonard Fournette, or Dalvin Cook, but Hood could be very serviceable and effective in Oakland’s backfield.