With the 2019 regular season officially coming to a close, it’s time to look back on the year and hand out some awards. This week, Pro Football Focus named their All-Rookie Team, which included two Oakland Raiders.
The first was running back Josh Jacobs, who was dynamic all season long. In 13 games, he tallied over 1,300 total yards and seven touchdowns. Take a look at what the site had to say about the former Alabama running back during his rookie season:
Jacobs’ performance as a runner this season wasn’t only tops among rookies, it was one of the best performances of any running back in the NFL. Among all players with 100 or more carries, Jacobs’ 86.9 rushing grade trailed only Lamar Jackson and Nick Chubb. That largely stemmed from just how difficult he was to bring down. Jacobs forced a league-high 69 missed tackles on 242 rushing attempts, and his 3.5 rushing yards after contact per attempt was tied for fifth at the position. You’d like to see his involvement in the passing game increase, but all in all, it was an outstanding debut for the rookie out of Alabama.
Next up was tight end Foster Moreau, who had a fantastic season despite playing behind Darren Waller. Moreau was used mostly as a blocker, but he was able to find success in the red zone, catching five touchdowns in 13 games this season. Take a look at what Pro Football Focus said about Moreau’s rookie season:
The rookie tight end class wasn’t the deepest group to pull from, but Moreau ended the season as the best of the bunch in PFF overall grade on his 373 offensive snaps. He wasn’t featured as a receiver for Oakland, taking a clear back seat to Darren Waller, but he was effective in the opportunities that did come his way. Moreau’s receiving grade was north of 80.0 behind 21 catches on 23 targets for 174 yards and five touchdowns. He was particularly effective in the red zone, catching all seven of his targets inside the 20-yard line — including two contested catches and all five of his touchdowns.
As for snubs, you can make a strong case that defensive Maxx Crosby should have made the list. However, both Nick Bosa and Josh Allen certainly have strong cases, as well. Overall, the Raiders have to be thrilled with the amount of production they got from their rookie class in 2019.
[vertical-gallery id=59792]
[lawrence-newsletter]