When the Raiders held three picks in the first round of the 2019 draft, the expectation was that the team would usee all three selections towards improving their defense. However, Oakland shocked many as they used the No. 24 pick on running back Josh Jacobs from Alabama.
Through two weeks, Jacobs is already proving the doubters wrong. Jacobs is fourth in the league in rushing yards and second in rushing touchdowns. What is even more impressive is how effective he has been after contract.
According to ESPN’s NFL Matchup, Jacobs is second in the league in yards after contact (90) only behind the Colts’ Marlon Mack. Jacobs is averaging 2.6 yards after contact as he is proving to be one of the most challenging running backs to bring down on first contact.
With Oakland’s offensive line getting back Richie Incognito this week and hopefully Gabe Jackson soon, Jacobs should have bigger holes to run through in the upcoming weeks. However, he has proven that he doesn’t need a lot of space to be successful. Jacobs is quickly establishing himself as one of the best running backs in the entire NFL.
