Oakland Raiders 2019 midseason MVP, ROY, and more

Rookie of the Year: Running Back Josh Jacobs

The Raiders received some criticism when the used one of their three first round draft picks on a running back. Seems like that decision is paying dividends, and a lot of them. Josh Jacobs has been absolutely electric for the Silver and Black and has been a lightning rod of energy for the offense. It is pretty easy to say, without Jacobs, this Raiders team would not be 4-4 with playoff hopes at this point.

Some of Jacob’s success can be attributed to the huge group of men that create holes for him, also known as Carr Insurance. But Jacobs is an elite athlete and one of the most elusive runners the Raiders have had in a long, long time. Going into Week 9, PFF had Jacobs ranked as the most elusive back in the NFL after charting his missed tackles forced and yards after contact.

Not only is Jacobs elusive, but he runs with a powerful force behind him and refuses to go down without fighting for every possible yard. His toughness and swagger is a perfect match for this offense and Gruden’s desire to run the ball well and control the clock.

The expectations were high for Jacobs, as they should be for a first round pick, and he has exceeded those expectations with ease. Arguably the team’s overall MVP, Jacobs is a tremendous talent and makes the Raiders a much better team. Maxx Crosby has been good, but Jacobs has been elite and takes home the rookie of the year honors through the midway point of the 2019 season.