The Raiders had arguably the best rookie class in the NFL this season as they were able to find productive players on all three days of the draft. Players such as Travyon Mullen, Maxx Crosby, Hunter Renfrow, and Foster Moreau all exceeded expectations during their rookie seasons.
But without a doubt, the team’s best rookie was running back Josh Jacobs. In 13 games, Jacobs totaled 1,316 yards from scrimmage and seven touchdowns. He averaged an incredible 4.8 yards per reception and 8.3 yards per catch.
Jacobs was a big reason why the Raiders were able to sustain some success in the middle of the season, and if it weren’t for a shoulder injury, he might have been able to help lead the Raiders into the playoffs.
In a recent piece by Pro Football Focus, Jacobs was named the league’s top-ranked rookie running back, edging out Miles Sanders with the Eagles. Take a look at what PFF had to say about Jacobs’ rookie season:
If you’re going to draft a running back in the first round, at least choose the right one. And that’s just what the Raiders did at No. 24 in the 2019 NFL draft. Jacobs led all running backs this season in elusive rating, as his mark of 103.6 was one of the best we’ve ever seen. You could even argue that the Raiders didn’t use him enough in the passing game, where he broke nine tackles on 20 catches.
Jacobs battled a shoulder injury all season long, but it didn’t appear to hamper him too much. Assuming he is 100 percent healthy next season, there is an excellent chance that he will lead the league in rushing yards in 2020. At pick No. 24, Jacobs was a home-run selection by general manager Mike Mayock.
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