In 2019 Josh Jacobs became the first Raiders rookie to rush for over 1,000 yards. He totaled 1,150 in just 13 games. Down the stretch Jacobs battled a nagging shoulder injury that forced him to miss three of the final four games.
Without Jacobs in the lineup the run game was not as effective.
Along with Jacobs, currently on the roster is Jalen Richard and Rod Smith. Richard has assumed the role of third down back and Smith is a bigger, more powerful back. DeAndre Washington is an unrestricted free agent so his future is uncertain.
It would be worthwhile to add another dual threat back in the draft who can combine a one-two punch with Jacobs.
Cam Akers is just the guy. He has a similar build to Jacobs at 5 foot 11 inches, 217 pounds but is faster. He was clocked at the combine at 4.47 in the forty. Running behind a porous offensive line at Florida State, Akers still managed to rush for 1,142 yards on 231 carries (4.9 yards per carry).
As a receiver during his time in Tallahassee, he caught 68 of 86 targets for 483 yards and seven touchdowns, it’s an area of his game that has vastly improved during his college years.
A prerequisite for all Jon Gruden backs, you must be able to pass protect. Akers was excellent in this area of his game. In 324 career pass blocking snaps, he allowed only 15 pressures.
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