Raiders GM open to using premium pick on running back

Las Vegas Raiders general manager John Spytek is more than willing to use a premium pick on a running back in April's draft.

"I mean, we just saw Saquon Barkley just change the Eagles in one year," Spytek said Friday, according to ESPN's Ryan McFadden. "There's certain ways to build a team, and I don't know (how) we got to a place where we don't feel like running backs are valued."

The Raiders hold the sixth overall pick after a 4-13 season. Las Vegas is likely to consider former Boise State star Ashton Jeanty, who's theScore's third overall prospect, if he's available when the team is on the clock.

"I come from the University of Michigan, and (running backs) were certainly really valued there," Spytek added. "So, it's hard for me to get away from that."

Former North Carolina runner Omarion Hampton and ex-Ohio State back TreVeyon Henderson are also in contention to be picked in the first round.

Spytek is also "open-minded" about drafting a quarterback despite signing Geno Smith to a two-year, $85.5-million extension. The club traded a third-round pick to the Seattle Seahawks to acquire the signal-caller this offseason.

The Raiders also own pick Nos. 37, 68, and 108, among others. Spytek doesn't plan to force selections for the sake of organizational need.

"If you start forcing players because you need them, you end up regretting that," the 44-year-old said. "And you also can't have enough good players in certain positions, too. Sometimes what doesn't feel like a need right now becomes a need after one or two injuries during the season, and then you're thankful you took this really good player."