Las Vegas Raiders: Layered roster equipped for stronger finish in 2020
Protecting Josh Jacobs
Rookie third-rounder Lynn Bowden Jr. can attack defenses in a variety of ways, but team brass wants him to learn the running back position first, per ESPN’s Paul Gutierrez:
"“We’re going to train him to be running back. If he’s able to do that job, we’ll be able [to] do some other things with him — move him around, let him catch the football,” Mayock said."
Obviously, the Raiders highlighted the importance of a solid backup to Jacobs. They also signed Devontae Booker, who brings a veteran presence, and are bringing back the versatile Jalen Richard, who has rounded into one of the better pass-catching running backs in the game.
When you think about what Jacobs was able to do as a rookie, playing half the season with a fractured shoulder, it is pretty remarkable. In addition, he did not get to showcase half of his skill-set, as he himself proved to be quite the receiver out of the backfield during his time with the Alabama Crimson Tide.