Raiders’ Josh Jacobs ranked 21st among starting RBs entering 2019

Oakland Raiders first-round pick Joshua Jacobs hasn’t played a single snap in the NFL yet, but he’s already getting respect from a former NFL running back.

NFL Network’s Maurice Jones-Drew ranked all 32 starting running backs entering the 2019 season and Jacobs, surprisingly, came in at No. 21.

“The Alabama product is set up for success thanks to the additions the team made at wide receiver and on the offensive line in the offseason,” Jones-Drew wrote. “It’s not likely that he will often face a loaded box, giving him the opportunity to make splash plays. I see most of his value coming at the goal line and in short-yardage situations.”

Jacobs was the near-consensus RB1 in the 2019 NFL draft despite sharing duties in the Crimson Tide backfield with fellow draft pick, Damien Harris.

Harris was selected in the third round by the Patriots.

MJD ranked Jacobs ahead of established veterans like LeSean McCoy (Bills), David Johnson (Cardinals), and Devonta Freeman (Falcons). All three have enjoyed immense success in the NFL and should have productive seasons in 2019 as well.

Jacobs has a lot working in his favor this fall. There’s no competition for carries in Oakland (especially with Isaiah Crowell tearing his Achilles) and his ability to produce as a receiver will make him a weapon in just about every offensive situation.

Jon Gruden is an old-school coach who, despite being known as a quarterback guru, has respect for old-fashioned smash-mouth football. Jacobs is the kind of back who can lower his head and deliver punishment; Gruden will love that.

The Raiders’ offense should be vastly improved in 2019, and Jacobs will be one of the major reasons why.