Oakland Raiders Alec Ingold defying the odds in 2019

The Oakland Raiders have hit tremendously big on their 2019 draft class, but it’s one of their undrafted free-agents who’s carving out a huge role in the offense.

In today’s current state of the NFL, fullbacks are a dying breed for most organizations, but not for the Oakland Raiders. Jon Gruden still remains a big believer in the old school mindset as he has a soft spot for bruising fullbacks, and he certainly has a good one in Alec Ingold.

Ingold, the rookie from the University of Wisconsin won the battle coming out of training camp over Keith Smith, and he hasn’t looked back. Now, he forms an incredible rookie tandem with Josh Jacobs, clearing holes for the man who could be this year’s Offensive Rookie of the Year.

It’s well noted in Gruden’s offensive system that a fullback is utilized in a multiple number of ways. Ingold has taken the task that Gruden has given him and ran with it.

His biggest role in the offense is paving the way for Jacobs, who has burst onto the scene in Year 1 in the Silver and Black. Ingold has also been use sparingly on short down situations such as a third and 1 or 4th and 1. In those moments, he’s delivered when called upon to gain crucial yards.

Some fullbacks in the NFL are on the field primarily for blocking purposes, but Ingold brings more to the table. Most recently he found the end zone for the first time in his NFL career after sneaking out of the backfield and scoring on a eight-yard pass from Derek Carr.

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While fullbacks aren’t the most prolific weapon in 2019, Ingold has made the most of his opportunities. According to Pro Football Focus, Ingold’s overall grade of 69.0 only trails the 49ers’ Kyle Juszczyk among qualified fullbacks.

PFF has also tagged him with a rating of 79.7 for his rushing grade, and a 84.3 pass blocking grade.

Ultimately, Ingold has proved that fullbacks can still provide a prominent roll like he’s done in Oakland. As the Raiders continue to rush the ball effectively, many teammates have not only credited the running backs that are moving the chains, but also the job that Ingold has done to open up running lanes.