'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
As South Carolina has a positive start to the 2024 season, interest continues to grow in Gamecocks running back Raheim Sanders. The 6-foot-2, 225 pound Sanders has starred at Carolina after transferring over from Arkansas. Time to consider how the NFL might view the talented, physical runner.
Raheim Sanders NFL Draft Projection and possible landing spots
Draft evaluation of Sanders
Running backs are not a prime target of NFL draft picks. This is due to the short shelf life of backs, the relative availability of competent players, and the increased emphasis on the passing game. Fewer running backs will be chosen high in the NFL draft.
Evaulators have indicated that Sanders would be a possible mid-round choice. Some negative note will be made of his injury issues. Sanders battled knee and shoulder concerns in a shortened 2023 season. Those health issues will likely keep his NFL draft status as a mid-round pick.
Potential landing spots for Sanders
Carolina Panthers
Why not? The Panthers will certainly be apprised of Sanders' season, as it's likely the closest NFL team. Meanwhile, Carolina has been struggling and could use some help running the ball. Adding a physical rusher like Sanders would take some pressure off Bryce Young and help Carolina be more competitive.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
With 3.4 yards per carry last year, Tampa Bay had the NFL's weakest rushing attack. Baker Mayfield looked good in Week 1, but the Bucs will need some help in the ground game. Sanders is versatile enough to be a decent pass-catching back in the Tampa offense.
New Orleans Saints
The Saints had one of the worst rushing attacks in the NFL a season ago. Alvin Kamara has been a productive back, but there's reason to question both his durability and his career arc. Raheim Sanders could easily split carries for a season or two while the Kamara situation is resolved. In fact, a more delayed path toward a starting spot could be ideal.
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jags could use some help with the rushing offense. Last season, the team had just 3.6 yards per carry. While there is some talent there, the Jags might choose to look for some help with Sanders. A talented young QB like Trevor Lawrence would be a nice, natural complement to Sanders.
Las Vegas Raiders
A team with 3.2 yards per carry in Week 1 seems like a team likely to be in the market for a new running back. Raheim Sanders has the kind of versatility that the Raiders need, and could be an attractive mid-round choice for Las Vegas.
What do you think of Raheim Sanders's NFL draft stock? Share your guesses as to which team might draft him in the comments section below!
