ALAMEDA – Marshawn Lynch is a powerful running back known for doling more punishment than he takes. The new Raiders rusher has great burst and elusiveness, but his calling card, as Marshawn might put it, is a willingness to run through a motherf----- face.

That’s why Jalen Richard was so surprised when Lynch told him to, at times, shy away from contact.

“The first time we talked, the first thing he said was that I took too many unnecessary hits last year,” Richard said. “I was shocked. Marshawn Lynch told me that. He said, ‘Don’t do that.’ You have to think about longevity.”

Lynch did his homework on the Raiders young runners. He analyzed Richard and DeAndre Washington, and came ready with suggestions for the second-year pros.

“He told me he watched my film. He said, ‘You’ve got it,’” Richard said. “Then he told me things I needed to tweak. He pointed out hits I was taking when I shouldn’t. There’s a time and a place for being physical, but he stressed the importance of taking care of your body. He’s been out there, telling us to be patient. He points things out to me and (DeAndre Washington) all the time.”

Richard and Washington will be active this season, as they were a year ago when Latavius Murray was the Raiders feature back. Richard had 83 carries for 491 yards, a touchdown, and was graded as one of the NFL’s most elusive runners by analytics site Pro Football Focus. Washington had 87 carries for 467 yards and two scores. Both guys are receiving options and solid pass protectors, giving the Raiders confidence to use them in any situation.

Lynch also does everything well and will be the primary rushing option. The 31-year old has been impressed by Richard and Washington, and doesn’t mind sharing his expertise with the young bucks.

“They’re all talented,” Lynch said at the end of training camp. “The biggest thing is that most of them probably were watching me when they were in middle school or high school, so it’s kind of crazy. I call all of them my kids, so I’m their daddy.

"But to watch them work and see the work that they put in is a blessing and at the same time, I want to make sure that I uphold their standard of what they put on film. They’re all good so I just want to make sure that I fit in with them and continue to just run the ball like the Raiders have been doing.”