Oakland Raiders 2019 Week 1 53-man roster projection

Running Backs

Josh Jacobs, Jalen Richard, Doug Martin, Alec Ingold

The running back department finds itself without the Oakland native, Marshawn Lynch. However, Jon Gruden has changed gears, and believes he’s found his new bell-cow back with Josh Jacobs. Jacobs was the most sought after back coming out of college and Gruden made sure to scoop him up when he used the No. 24th overall pick to draft him.

Jacobs doesn’t have a lot of tread on his tires, due to the backfield by committee that was ran at Alabama, but his attributes speak volume. In college he averaged 5.9-yards per carry and 11.9-yards per reception. He’s exceptional in run blocking and can contribute as a reliant check down option for Derek Carr.

Backing up the rookie running back will be Jalen Richard and veteran back Doug Martin. Richard brings a different dimension to the backfield, as he can run inside and outside the tackles, but thrives in the receiving game as one of the better pass catcher that line sup in the backfield. Martin won’t have much of a role in catching passes, but will bring some depth to running the football between the tackles. Martin has posted two 1,000-yard rushing seasons, but with age has now turned into a backup role.

More teams than not, don’t have a fullback on their 53-man roster. However, Gruden loves the thought of old-school football and using a fullback does just that.

At fullback they have Alec Ingold, the rookie out of the University of Wisconsin. From all indications, Gruden so far loves what he’s seen from the rookie. Ingold will be asked to lead the charge for Jacobs, creating holes and picking up blockers for Gruden’s new feature back.