The Las Vegas Raiders signed running back Alexander Mattison to a one-year deal this offseason. The former Minnesota Viking will likely serve as the team’s RB2 behind Zamir White.
Despite signing Mattison as a free agent, Vegas decided to add another running back to the roster in the 2024 NFL Draft, selecting Dylan Laube of New Hampshire in the sixth round.
Laube, who was one of the bigger standouts in the offseason program, will compete for a roster spot in training camp and may even face experienced Ameer Abdullah for the No. 3 position while also taking on a role on special teams.
Although late draft picks are usually tough, Mattison believes Laube has a “great chance” to make the team in his rookie season, and he’s excited to see his impact on the running back team this season.
Check out the video of Mattison talking about the Raiders’ season outlook at his annual youth football camp. At 7:58, the former Boise State star starts praising Laube. Video courtesy of Marcus Hayes of Vegas Sports Today
Laube’s versatility alone could land him on the 53rd roster this season. The sixth-round pick has shown throughout his college career that he is an effective receiving back, and he has experience returning kickoffs and punts.
With the new kickoff rule going into effect this season, Laube’s value increases even more, and if the Raiders end up playing with just three backs, that could put him ahead of Abdullah, who played no role in the 2023 return game.
The battle of the quarterbacks will be the headline in the Raiders’ training camp, but the competition for the third quarterback between Laube and Abdullah will also provide exciting suspense.
