Raiders Josh Jacobs could finish 2020 as the best RB in the AFC
Expectations in Year 2
As he enters Year 2, many feel he can take the next step forward, especially after playing a bulk of his rookie season with a fractured shoulder. The injury to Jacobs left him a bit hindered as a receiver, and with Jalen Richard elite as a back coming out of the backfield in the passing game, he was not needed in that role.
During the 2020 campaign, Jacobs figures to be utilized more in the passing game, something he proved to be adept at doing during his time with the Crimson Tide. Becoming that kind of dual-threat back is really all he needs to put himself in position to be one of the top-5 running backs in the league, and possibly the best running back in the AFC.
Another key factor in the way Jacobs runs is the fact that people have an incredibly hard time taking him down. He was one of the best in the game at making people miss in 2019, and after a full offseason getting ready for his sophomore campaign, he is going to be stronger than ever, especially with a healed up shoulder.
My expectation for Jacobs is that he will become not only one of the best backs in football, but also the absolute best in the AFC. Jones-Drew had him ranked behind the likes of Nick Chubb and Joe Mixon in terms of AFC backs in his rankings, but all of that is going to change after he dominates in what should be his first Pro Bowl season in the Silver and Black.