Raheem Mostert
Summary
Raheem Mostert went undrafted in the 2015 Class out of Purdue University. Over his long and winding career, he has appeared in over 100 NFL games (39 starts) and has rushed for 3,875 yards and 34 rushing touchdowns, while also catching 115 passes for 937 yards and 8 receiving touchdowns. In 2023, he earned his first Pro Bowl after rushing for 1,012 yards and posting 18 rushing touchdowns, leading the league in that category. Known for his elite straight-line speed, vision, and ability to make big plays, he has also battled injuries throughout his career, making him a “boom-or-bust” veteran back. Mostert is respected as a resilient, hard‑working player who persevered through a long journey in the league, carving out a role despite being undrafted and dealing with setbacks.
Strengths
Explosive Speed: One of the fastest backs in the league, giving him the ability to hit home runs on long runs. Silver And Black Pride
Big-Play Ability: Has a history of breaking long carries thanks to his vision, acceleration, and patience in finding creases. Las Vegas Raiders
Efficiency: Career average of ~5.0 yards per carry (3,875 yards on 776 attempts). NFL.com
Scoring Touch: Strong nose for the end zone — his 18 rushing touchdowns in 2023 tied or led in key scoring metrics. Las Vegas Raiders
Receiving Ability: Can contribute in the passing game with reliable hands; career 115 receptions shows he’s more than just a runner. NFL.com
Versatility / Experience: Veteran presence with over 10 seasons in the league; has played for multiple teams, giving him a well-rounded understanding of different offensive systems. Las Vegas Raiders
Resilience: Despite early-career injuries and bouncing teams, he persevered and eventually broke out — his journey shows high character and determination.
Broken-Field Vision: His vision and ability to navigate traffic make him dangerous in space; he’s good at making defenders miss or avoiding tackles.
Weaknesses
Durability Concerns: Has had a number of injuries over his career, raising red flags about his ability to stay healthy long-term.
Workhorse Limitation: Given his age and injury history, he may not be suited to carry a heavy workload week after week.
Pass Protection: Not known as a strong pass protector, which could limit his third-down usage or pass-down role.
Age & Decline Risk: Entering his 30s, his explosiveness and burst could decline, reducing his big-play upside.
Consistency: While he produces big plays, there are stretches where he is less consistent or less involved, especially in crowded backfields.
Limited Early Touches: In earlier years, he didn’t get many carries; his usage has been boom‑or‑bust, which may limit long-term trust from coaching staffs.
Fit & Outlook
Raheem Mostert projects as a high-upside veteran change-of-pace back who can still be a valuable contributor in an offense that values explosiveness, scoring, and big-play potential. He can be used in a rotational role, perhaps paired with a younger every-down back to maximize his big-play ability without overtaxing his body. Looking ahead, Mostert’s outlook is cautiously optimistic. If he stays healthy, he can continue to produce at a high level in favorable matchups and in red-zone situations. His elite speed and experience give him a legitimate chance to be a game-breaker. However, due to durability concerns and his age, relying on him as a three-down lead back is risky. The most realistic long-term role is that of a complementary back — someone who comes in on passing downs, goal-line packages, and explosive running situations. As he ages, his role may shrink, but his value in the right system remains significant.