The Oakland Raiders desperately need a premier running back that can do everything and with Marshawn Lynch gone, the void looms large.
One of the most praised draft picks this year by the Silver and Black was Alabama running back Josh Jacobs and the hope in Alameda is that the youngster can carry the load from Day 1.
Considering that Raiders general manager Mike Mayock and Jon Gruden selected him in the first round, it’s safe to say the duo sees something special with this kid. Pro Football Focus recently shared a stat that suggests this notion might be true as Jacobs led the nation by with a 41% completion rate of his rushes into a first down or a touchdown last season. Impressive to say the least.
#Raiders RB Josh Jacobs led the nation by converting 41% of his rushes into either a first down or a touchdown last year at Alabama ☠ï¸
PFF's top Offensive Rookie of the Year candidates for 2019 🔽 https://t.co/2FZzDhDMrf pic.twitter.com/Ra2SS7XVp4
— PFF Las Vegas Raiders (@PFF_Raiders) May 14, 2019
Now, we’re obviously still a long way from training camp, but it’s no secret that quarterback Derek Carr will be throwing it out of the backfield, which should bode well for Jacobs. Why is that you ask? Well, he led the way in his draft class for highest passer rating when targeted according to PFF.
#Raiders RB Josh Jacobs has the perfect skill set that teams need in today’s NFL 🔽https://t.co/hQmymlXYW8 pic.twitter.com/Ci5RqSYDN5
— PFF Las Vegas Raiders (@PFF_Raiders) May 15, 2019
All of these ingredients have the making for something special this year in Oakland, is it possible the Raiders have found their own Ezekiel Elliot? Perhaps, we’ll have to wait and see Raider Nation. What do you think, Raider Nation? Let us know what you think.
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I believe Jacobs will be a stud for us,i’ll Admit I wasn’t too trilled when we took him in the first round but hey he’s got the skills you want from a 3 down back and his character is through the roof. Hopefully he’ll be the next great Raiders RB.