Oakland Raiders rookies contributing in a big way in 2019

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - SEPTEMBER 29: Maxx Crosby #98 of the Oakland Raiders forces a fumble from Parris Campbell #15 of the Indianapolis Colts during the second quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - SEPTEMBER 29: Maxx Crosby #98 of the Oakland Raiders forces a fumble from Parris Campbell #15 of the Indianapolis Colts during the second quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
2 of 7
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 15: Josh Jacobs #28 of the Oakland Raiders warms up prior to the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at RingCentral Coliseum on September 15, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 15: Josh Jacobs #28 of the Oakland Raiders warms up prior to the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at RingCentral Coliseum on September 15, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images)

Josh Jacobs

Josh Jacobs was selected with the 24th pick of the first round, and he has made his name known immediately. There is a solid argument to be made that Jacobs is currently in the lead for offensive rookie of the year, as he has rushed for 430 yards and four touchdowns in his first five NFL games.

Jacobs is making every touch count, as he is averaging 4.9 yards per carry after Week 5, and that is after playing some of the best defenses in the NFL. Jacobs made his presence felt immediately in Week 1 of the season against the Denver Broncos, as Jacobs was handed the ball 23 times for 85 yards and two touchdowns in his debut.

Jacobs did not get the ball much in Week 2 and Week 3, but even with just 12 touches against the Chiefs, Jacobs was able to average over eight yards per carry and 99 yards. The Raiders started to feed Jacobs again in Week 4 and Week 5, and after those performances, it is safe to say they will be giving him more and more touches as the year goes on.

Jacobs was a huge reason the Raiders were able to defeat the Chicago Bears, who are known as the best defense in the NFL. Jacobs cut right through Chicago, rushing for 123 yards and two touchdowns in this game, including the game-winner where he would dive over the line and into the end zone. It is still very early in his career, but it looks like the Raiders have found their franchise running back.

Schedule