2019 Oakland Raiders position group preview: Running Backs

OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 24: Jalen Richard #30 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates with Doug Martin #28 after a three-yard touchdown run against the Denver Broncos during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 24, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Robert Reiners/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 24: Jalen Richard #30 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates with Doug Martin #28 after a three-yard touchdown run against the Denver Broncos during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 24, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Robert Reiners/Getty Images)
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SANTA CLARA, CA – JANUARY 07: Josh Jacobs #8 of the Alabama Crimson Tide is wrapped up by Tre Lamar #57 of the Clemson Tigers Tidein the CFP National Championship presented by AT&T at Levi’s Stadium on January 7, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – JANUARY 07: Josh Jacobs #8 of the Alabama Crimson Tide is wrapped up by Tre Lamar #57 of the Clemson Tigers Tidein the CFP National Championship presented by AT&T at Levi’s Stadium on January 7, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Josh Jacobs

With the 24th pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, the Oakland Raiders selected the 5-foot-10 inch, 220 pound running back out of Alabama. Jacobs, who finished his junior year with 640 yards on 120 carries for 11 touchdowns and a 5.3 yard per carry average is also the highest rated rookie running back on Madden NFL 20. Jacobs will be starting training camp as the clear starter and has been an early projection for Offensive Rookie of the Year.

Jacobs has quickly become a fan and media favorite due to his humility and strong work ethic. As a child who was once homeless, Jacobs is a person who doesn’t take any opportunity for granted and he will need to produce, considering he was drafted with one of the picks the Raiders got for All-Pro defensive end, Khalil Mack.

With center Rodney Hudson and guard Gabe Jackson returning healthy along with a bulked up Kolton Miller, and free agent additions Richie Incognito and Trent Brown, the Raiders hope to reestablish the run game and have the first 1,000 yard rusher since Latavius Murray in 2015.

Schedule