After a somewhat successful 2019 season, the Las Vegas Raiders seemed poised to make a playoff run in 2020. They have dramatically improved their roster on both sides of the ball and have several exciting young talented players.
However, Pro Football Focus isn’t entirely as sold on the Raiders’ talent entering the season. In a recent article by Sam Monson, he listed the top-50 players entering the 2020 season. Unfortunately, no Raiders’ players made the list.
It’s important to note that only 10 quarterbacks made the list as it’s a list of the top players in the NFL, not the most important. Otherwise, Derek Carr would have been a shoo-in to be inside the top-20.
The two players that arguably could have made the list are running back Josh Jacobs and tight end Darren Waller. Jacobs finished as Pro Football Focus second-ranked running back in 2019, just behind Nick Chubb. In only 13 games last season, Jacobs totaled 1,316 yards and seven touchdowns. Given his talent, don’t be surprised if he leads the league in rushing this season.
Waller certainly could have made the list as there were only two other tight ends mentioned; Travis Kelce and George Kittle. In Waller’s first year as a full-time tight end, he caught 90 passes for 1,145 yards and three touchdowns. If Waller can become more productive in the red zone, he should easily make this list at this time next season.
It will be fascinating to see if any Raiders can breakthrough and crack this list at this time next offseason.
