Round 5, Pick 141: RB Joshua Kelley, UCLA
The Raiders’ last pick isn’t just a throwaway choice. Joshua Kelley could play a significant role behind Josh Jacobs who logged 242 carries during the 2019 term. In Week 7, against the Green Bay Packers, he fractured his shoulder and played through the pain for the second half of the term.
Mayock said the team didn’t want to put too much on Jacobs’ plate as a rookie, but the bruising ball-carrier will be more involved in the passing game going forward:
With more touches and pass protection assignments in Jacobs’ future, Kelley could handle a portion of the early downs. He’s equipped to push through contact and keep his legs moving for four or more yards per carry.
Kelley racked up 105 rushing yards for the Senior Bowl game. He continued to impress with his workouts and interviews at the combine:
Despite his bubbly personality, he has a nasty grinder-type run style that fits the Raiders’ short-yardage needs in the backfield. The former Bruin bulked up to 5’11”, 219 pounds and ran for 2,303 yards and 24 touchdowns over the last two collegiate terms.
Looking Ahead to Free Agency
Of course, free agency could change one or more of the projections above. Perhaps the Raiders sign a veteran defensive lineman like Javon Hargrave, add a wide receiver or re-sign running back DeAndre Washington to fill certain roles.
Mayock and Gruden will have a projected $51.6 million to spend on veteran talent in about two weeks. Even with the potential acquisitions, prospects like Jeudy and Murray could stick because of the need for a lead pass-catcher and linebacker help for the defense.
With that said, expect a third Raiders mock draft following the first wave of free agency to keep tabs on the Raiders’ needs and how the team may approach the selection process in April.