Over the last few days, more and more people are coming around to the idea that Zamir White could be the starting running back for the Raiders for the 2023 season. That all was set in motion after the Raiders declined the fifth-year option for Josh Jacobs.
But does White have what it takes to be a high-caliber starting running back in the NFL? And what makes him stand out among his peers?
In a recent article by Pro Football Focus, they graded every selection on Day 3 of the 2022 NFL Draft. For the pick of Zamir White at No. 122, they praised the pick as he should be able to step right in and produce. Here is what the site had to say about the selection of White:
“White is an explosive, powerful 217-pound back who put up an impressive 4.40-second mark in the 40-yard dash. He’s not going to offer much in the passing game or consistently go above and beyond his blocking, but he can fill a clear role and make the most of his blocking in Las Vegas. He’ll join Kenyan Drake and Josh Jacobs in the Raiders’ backfield after Las Vegas just declined Jacobs’ fifth-year option.”
Before the draft, the site actually compared White to Kenyan Drake, but with more power. White had the second-fastest 10-yard split (1.50) among all the running backs at the NFL Combine, which is impressive considering he weighs 214 pounds.
The only running back with a faster 10-yard split was Kenneth Walker at 1.49, who was selected early in the second round. There just aren’t many running backs in the league right now over 210 pounds that also have a 1.50 10-yard split.
While White doesn’t have the receiving profile to be a top-flight running back in the NFL, neither did Josh Jacobs coming out of Alabama. And if we have learned anything from Josh McDaniels over the last decade it’s that he loves to find a passing-down back to pair with a bigger, more powerful back.
White isn’t expected to start in 2022 unless injuries occur, but look for him to be the favorite to take over the starting job in 2023 with Jacobs and Drake set to hit the free-agent market next year.
