Running Back
As mentioned previously, the Raiders finished 25th in the NFL in rushing last season. This was with Marshawn Lynch in tow. Clearly Gruden and Mayock felt they needed to improve that aspect of their offense.
They did just that by adding former Alabama stud Josh Jacobs in the first round of the NFL draft. During his time at Alabama, Jacobs rushed 251 times for 1,491 yards and 16 touchdowns. His senior season saw him eclipse 600 yards and score 11 touchdowns.
Jacobs has been likened to Patriots’ running back Sony Michel by NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein. He went on to say:
Prototypical combination of size and skill-set as an every-down runner with the ability to slash or impose his will on any given snap. Jacobs runs with good bend, vision and burst, and he proved to be an effective pass-catcher out of the backfield or from the slot. Jacobs is a decisive runner with outstanding one-cut talent to become a bellcow lead back.
Overall, it appears that Jacobs has all the talent to not earn the starting role, but to thrive while in it. Even ESPN’s Mel Kiper has predicted that Jacobs would be an instant impact starter.
Jacobs is clearly the back to own in the Raiders’ backfield and should provide owners will solid value. However, it’s important to note both Doug Martin and Jalen Richard are still lurking. Martin should act more as a mentor, but could take some goal line carries away. Richard will be strictly a third-down back, but will limit Jacobs’ potential. Overall, Jacobs has bellcow potential, but likely won’t be a bellcow out of the gate.
He will however have a strong offensive line in front of him. Despite losing Kelechi Osemele, the Raiders did add Trent Brown. Left guard may still be a question mark, but overall the Raiders line should be strong enough for Jacobs to shine.
The Raiders didn’t draft Jacobs in the first round to have him sit on the bench. He should be given every opportunity to shine in his first year with the Raiders.
Bottom Line: Jacobs should be a solid target anywhere from the third to fifth round. Owners shouldn’t expect Saquon Barkley, but Jacobs should be the team’s leading rusher by the end of the season, making him a solid add in all formats.
