Raiders' Alexander Mattison says Day 3 pick has 'great shot' to make roster

The Las Vegas Raiders signed running back Alexander Mattison to a one-year contract this offseason, and the former Minnesota Viking will likely serve as the team's RB2 behind Zamir White.

Despite the acquisition of Mattison in free agency, Vegas decided to add another running back to the roster in the 2024 NFL Draft, selecting New Hampshire's Dylan Laube in the sixth round.

Laube, who was one of the bigger standouts during the offseason program, will compete for a roster spot in training camp, and may even challenge for the No. 3 role against veteran Ameer Abdullah while also having a role on special teams.

Though late-round picks usually have an uphill climb, Mattison believes Laube has a "great shot" to make the team in his rookie campaign and is excited to see his impact in the running backs room this season.

Check out the the video of Mattison speaking about the Raiders' season outlook at his annual youth football camp. At the 7:58 mark, the former Boise State standout begins to praise Laube. The video comes from Marcus Hayes of Vegas Sports Today

Laube's versatility alone could propel him to a 53-man roster spot this season. The sixth-round pick displayed his ability to be an effective receiving back during his collegiate career and he has experience returning kickoffs and punts.

With the new kickoff rule being implemented this season, Laube's value increases even more and if it comes down to the Raiders carrying just three backs, that may propel him over Abdullah, who wasn't a factor in the return game in 2023.

The quarterback battle will be the headline of Raiders' training camp, but the RB3 competition between Laube and Abdullah will be an intriguing storyline.