The Oakland Raiders bolstered their roster this offseason, and on offense, Josh Jacobs could be the difference maker the team has been lacking.
The Oakland Raiders have begun building not only a new stadium in a new state, but also a backfield to help Derek Carr. The Raiders were near the bottom in offense last year, causing the team to look for outside talent.
They’ve added so much talent to their team this year they felt comfortable letting Chirs Warren III go after the first day of training camp. A big reason why is rookie running back Josh Jacobs.
New General Manager, Mike Mayock, has been on a tear making wise and prudent decisions helping lead the Raiders to a strong offseason in 2019. The former NFL Draft Analysis was a perfect fit for a team in need of young, fresh talent, and an eye for drafting good players such as Jacobs.
Jacobs had 251 rushes for 1,491 yards with a 5.9 average. He rushed for 16 touchdowns with 21 total and 2,062 total yards. His three years with Alabama, a school known for their runningb ack talent, he was the workhorse and never failed the team.
Jacobs has speed, footwork skills, and much-needed speed. He can outrun any linebacker or safety at a 4.52 40 yard dash. I predict he will be if not the starter, at least the second on the depth chart.
The Raiders grabbed him at No. 24 overall, utilizing one of the picks the Chicago Bears gave up for the Khalil Mack trade. Jacobs, in my opinion, is the biggest asset on the offense right now. The Raiders finished 23rd in rushing offense in 2018, I can’t see a repeat of that with Jacobs on the team.
Jacobs is invaluable for a few reasons. His size is exactly what Gruden needs in a running back.
He’s got a perfect mix of size and speed to go along with his footwork. Does anyone remember Mike Alstott from Tampa Bay? “The A Train” was a touchdown monster for Gruden because he knew when and how to use him.
What’s also true is the compliment of a great wide-receiver and great running-back. Edgerrin James with Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne. Le’Veon Bell with JuJu Smith-Schuster and Antonio Brown. Julio Jones and Devonta Freeman. There’s plenty of examples that I can choose from.
Jacobs is the key to take this offense to the next level.