HENDERSON, Nev.—The Las Vegas Raiders are just 18 days away from the opening of their 2026 NFL training camp, and the expectations, anticipation, and excitement are tangible.As we do each July, heading into camp, we begin a series breaking down each position group, offering analysis of each player on the position, providing various scouting reports, and even projecting whether they make the coveted 53-man roster, practice squad, or get cut. Las Vegas Raiders RB Aston Jeanty | Darrell Craig Harris, On SIGM John Spytek will have to deliver the final 53-man roster to the NFL offices on Sunday, August 30, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. ET (3:00 p.m. PT). This is a significant change from previous years, when cuts were due on the Tuesday following the final preseason games. As we preview each position, we will place next to each position group how many players we project the Raiders to carry at that spot.Today, we begin with the running back position.Raiders | Darrell Craig Harris, ON SIRunning Back: FiveWhen Spytek releases the final 53-man roster, I expect the Raiders to have carried 25 offensive players, and while I could see that vacillating between 24 and 26, today I think five of those players will be running backs.No. 1: Ashton Jeanty, 5’8” 208 lbs.Las Vegas Raiders RB Ashton Jeanty | Darrell Craig Harris, On SIThe Raiders selected the Boise State Broncos superstar with the sixth overall pick in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. He was the primary back last year. Despite all the dysfunction in the organizational collapse last season, he was able to flash.Under the steady direction of Klint Kubiak and an offensive line led by Rick Dennison, Jeanty is poised to have a major breakout campaign. His rookie year, judged in the context of the organization's utter collapse, is not on him, and a fair observer would have to categorize his season as a success.No. 2: Mike Washington Jr., 6’2” 228 lbs.The Raiders didn’t like Washington in the past draft; they loved him. He is fast and strong. He is considered a pass protector more than a downfield threat in the passing game, but that doesn’t preclude him from catching short passes out of the backfield. He is a punishing, physical power back, according to one Raider official: “Offers linear momentum instead of lateral agility. He is much more comfortable running over you than around you.” He is an elite power back: once he gets to the second level, which can happen fast as a north-south runner, he can turn on the jets of a 4.3 forty and take it to the house every play. He is the perfect complementary back to Ashton Jeanty.Mike Washington Jr. | Darrell Craig Harris, On SINo. 3 Connor Heyward (FB/HB), 5’11” 230 lbs.I have had the privilege of knowing Heyward and his family since 2016, and can tell you that he is as versatile as today’s modern NFL players come. It is that versatility that made him a top free agent priority for John Spytek and Klint Kubiak.Michigan State Spartans' Connor Heyward runs by the Tulsa defense Friday, August 30, 2019 at Spartan Stadium.