Las Vegas Raiders: Josh Jacobs named top running back under 25
By Brad Weiss
The Las Vegas Raiders have a star at running back in Josh Jacobs, who was recently named the top running back under 25 years of age.
With one of their three picks in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft, the then-Oakland Raiders selected Alabama running back Josh Jacobs. While selecting running backs in the first round is not popular, Jacobs has blossomed into one of the best running backs in the league, and is well on his way to an all-time career with the Raiders.
In a recent piece by Sam Monson at Pro Football Focus, the top-25 players in the NFL under 25 were ranked, and Jacobs came in at No. 18 overall. In fact, he was the highest-rated running back on the list, and one of only two, as Indianapolis Colts star Johnathan Taylor was ranked at No. 21 overall.
That is some high praise, as there are a bunch of solid, young running backs in the league, but none have made the impact Jacobs has. He has become a constant for quarterback Derek Carr, and in 2021, he will see an even bigger role with the franchise.
Raiders will lean on Jacobs in 2021
While Jacobs has been the feature back coming into the league, he has had his fair share of bumps and bruises, missing some time during his first two seasons. To avoid this in 2021, the Raiders brought in Kenyan Drake on a sizeable deal to be Jacobs’ backup, but also have a role in the passing game.
The two will certainly have a huge impact on what the Raiders do offensively this season, as Jacobs looks to collect his third straight 1,000-yard season. Also, Jacobs was named a Pro Bowler for the first time this past season, something that will likely become a theme with him as he continues his NFL career.
Bringing in Drake will prove huge for Jacobs and the Raiders, as they have to be smart with him entering his third season in the league. Throughout the first two seasons, Jacobs has become a star for the Silver and Black and could be on his way to one of the more prolific careers of any running back to play for the franchise.
That is saying a lot.