The Las Vegas Raiders are gearing up for significant changes in their backfield leading into the 2025 NFL Draft. After a dismal performance last season, finishing last in the league with an average of just 79.8 rushing yards per game, they are actively seeking improvements. Alexander Mattison, who led the team with 420 rushing yards, has moved to the Miami Dolphins, leaving the Raiders to rely on Raheem Mostert, formerly of the Dolphins, who signed a one-year deal with Las Vegas. With Ameer Abdullah also departing, the Raiders are eyeing Boise State star Ashton Jeanty as a potential early-round pick in the draft. Raiders GM John Spytek was present at Jeanty's Pro Day, showcasing the team's interest in securing a running back who has proven to be a prolific scorer, tallying 29 touchdowns in his most recent season.

Alexander Mattison's arrival with the Miami Dolphins brings a significant shift to their rushing dynamics. Emphasizing a 'downhill, fast, and physical' style, he addresses a critical gap in Miami's run game that struggled with short-yardage conversions last season. With a remarkable conversion rate on crucial runs, Mattison stands out as the heaviest running back at 220 pounds, a stark contrast to the speedster De'Von Achane. His ability to break tackles coupled with his pass-catching skills adds a multi-dimensional threat to the backfield, making him a pivotal asset in coach Mike McDaniel's offense.

Mattison's career boasts a solid performance, highlighted by his ability to convert on key plays and catch passes, which could alleviate the workload on Achane. As the Dolphins explore further options in the upcoming draft or consider bringing back Jeff Wilson Jr., Mattison's physical approach will be essential in reshaping their offensive strategy.

The Miami Dolphins have significantly bolstered their running game by signing veteran running back Alexander Mattison. At 5-foot-11 and 220 pounds, Mattison is now the heaviest tailback on the roster. Previously with the Minnesota Vikings, where he backed up Dalvin Cook, he became a starter in 2023. With a career total of 2,790 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns, he excelled in short-yardage situations, converting 16 out of 19 attempts on third-and-1 or fourth-and-1. This acquisition comes as the Dolphins look to enhance their short-yardage efficiency and take some of the workload off De’Von Achane, who had a massive 281 touches last season. As they also signed linebacker K.J. Britt, it shows Miami’s intent to create a more balanced and effective team moving forward.

The 2025 NFL offseason is officially underway, starting with the new league year and a crucial legal tampering window for free agency. While last year's running back market was stacked with stars like Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry, this year's crop is less glamorous but still features solid players. The top ten free-agent running backs include notable names like Alexander Mattison, who had a productive year with the Las Vegas Raiders despite being a backup. Jordan Mason from the San Francisco 49ers emerged as a key player when Christian McCaffrey was injured, showcasing his potential to attract interest. Other notable mentions include Javonte Williams, who is still recovering from injuries, and Nick Chubb, who has seen a decline in performance. As teams prepare for the draft and free agency, the decisions made will have significant implications for fantasy football enthusiasts and bettors alike.

The Las Vegas Raiders are embarking on a transformative offseason, aiming to build a competitive roster by 2025 after a lackluster previous season. Central to this effort is new head coach Pete Carroll, who has garnered respect from players like Alexander Mattison. In a recent interview, Mattison expressed his admiration for Carroll's leadership and his hopeful outlook for the upcoming season, despite being uncertain about his future in Las Vegas.

With a fresh offensive strategy under new coordinator Chip Kelly, the Raiders aim to enhance their running game. Mattison, who led the team in rushing yards last season, is a key figure in this evolving dynamic. If the Raiders do not retain him, his talents are likely to attract interest from other teams in a growing market for running back talent.