The Las Vegas Raiders have had a tough time getting anything going on the ground the past two seasons - statistically speaking, they’ve been dead last in rushing offense, and it hasn’t exactly been a photo finish. That’s why the hire of Klint Kubiak as head coach is more than just a fresh face on the sideline - it’s a strategic pivot toward fixing a glaring weakness.
Kubiak comes in fresh off a 2025 campaign where he helped engineer one of the league’s most effective rushing attacks. Sure, he had a stronger offensive line to work with, but this wasn’t just a case of talent carrying the scheme.
Kubiak leaned into a two-back system that kept defenses guessing and opened up lanes consistently. That kind of approach could be exactly what the Raiders need to unlock the full potential of Ashton Jeanty.
Jeanty is expected to be the lead back in Vegas, and for good reason. He’s explosive, tough, and can handle a heavy workload.
But even the best backs benefit from a reliable running mate - someone who can spell him without the offense skipping a beat. And while the 2026 NFL Draft offers some intriguing Day 3 options, the Raiders might be better served finding a proven veteran who can step in and contribute right away.
Let’s take a look at a few names that make sense - not just based on talent, but because of the connections that already exist between these players and the Raiders’ new leadership.
Javonte Williams: A Familiar Face with Fresh Legs
Williams and Kubiak go back to their days in Denver during the 2022 season. While their time together was brief - Kubiak was focused on the passing game and Williams missed much of the year due to injury - there’s a shared history in that building. Fast forward to 2025, and Williams looked like his old self again, racking up 1,201 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns with the Cowboys.
Dallas, loaded with talent and facing a tight cap situation, may not be able to keep him. That opens the door for Vegas.
Williams has shown he can carry the load, but he’s also proven he can thrive in a split backfield. Pairing him with Jeanty could give the Raiders a legitimate one-two punch - a physical, downhill runner who wears down defenses and keeps Jeanty fresh for explosive plays.
Jeremy McNichols: The Steady Hand
McNichols might not be the flashiest name on the list, but he’s carved out a role as a dependable complementary back over the last several years. He and Kubiak share ties to the 49ers under Kyle Shanahan, and McNichols was originally drafted by the Buccaneers in 2017 - when Raiders GM John Spytek was in Tampa’s front office.
Over the past two seasons, McNichols has posted 482 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns, while adding 223 receiving yards. He’s not going to demand a high volume of touches, and that might be exactly what makes him a smart fit. He can step in situationally, pass protect, catch out of the backfield, and keep the offense moving without disrupting Jeanty’s rhythm.
Rachaad White: The Receiving Threat
White has quietly become one of the best pass-catching backs in the league, totaling 1,450 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns over four seasons. Drafted by Spytek and the Bucs in 2022, he’s shown he can be a dynamic weapon in the passing game - especially over the last two years, where he’s complemented Bucky Irving in Tampa Bay’s backfield.
With Irving emerging as the lead back, it’s unclear whether the Bucs will bring White back - or if he’ll want to return. If he hits the open market, the Raiders should absolutely make a call.
White’s not a bruising inside runner, but that’s not what they’d need him to be. He could slide in as a third-down option, line up in the slot, and give Kubiak a versatile chess piece to work with.
The bottom line: If the Raiders want to turn the page on their rushing woes, it’s going to take more than just Jeanty. Klint Kubiak’s scheme thrives with balance, versatility, and depth in the backfield. Whether it’s a bruiser like Williams, a steady hand like McNichols, or a pass-game weapon like White, Las Vegas needs to find the right complement - and with the connections Kubiak and Spytek bring to the table, the pieces might already be within reach.