Oakland Raiders 2019 rookie class is making an instant impact

Mike Mayock‘s first NFL draft as the General Manager for the Oakland Raiders is turning heads while also making an impact on the 2019 season.

Many members of the media and fans alike focused on the Oakland Raiders No. 4 overall pick in the draft, Clelin Ferrell, but it’s been running back Josh Jacobs who’s made the biggest impact. The rookie running back has played out of his mind and led a rushing attack which has kept the Raiders in games, even in a blow out loss.

Trayvon Mullen was thrust into the starting role last week as Gareon Conley was shipped off to Houston, as the front office hordes draft picks and continues to benefit from the Khalil Mack trade.

However important some rookies are to the team, first-round picks are expected to come in and have a starting role. It’s something I say as a fantasy football analyst when people ask me lineup questions “why did you draft him in the first round if you didn’t want to play him?”

This question has been asked many times about Ferrell, who has disappointed many and has been outplayed by Maxx Crosby, the fourth-round pick. The other rookie in the first-round is injured safety, Johnathon Abram. The aggressive, hard-hitting safety tore a labrum in his shoulder in the first game of the season and continued to play despite the pain and injury.

Here are how the rookies have impacted the team in their respective rounds.