RADIO
Jalen Richard 2020 Outlook: Third-Down Role Player Without Much Upside
5 years agoThe Raiders re-signed Jalen Richard to a two-year, $7 million extension in the offseason. Although some might see it as Las Vegas valuing Richard as running back depth, it might speak more to their concerns over whether Josh Jacobs can take the next step as a pass-catcher. Richard surely won't be much of a contributor on early downs, as his carry totals have declined each year since his rookie season in 2016. The 26-year-old had a career-high 68 receptions for 607 yards on 81 targets in 2018, but those numbers dipped to 36 catches for 323 yards on 43 targets last year. As long as Jacobs is healthy and functioning as the bell-cow back, Richard figures to be a lightly used third-down back. He could even face competition from rookie Lynn Bowden Jr., making him a low-upside, late-round dart throw for depth in PPR setups.
