NFL Draft 2019 scouting report: Josh Jacobs could be three-down back Raiders need

Josh Jacobs, RB, Alabama

Measurables

5’10”, 220 lbs

Stats

2018: 120 carries, 640 yards (5.3 avg), 11 touchdowns

2017: 46 carries, 284 yards (6.2 avg), 1 touchdown

2016: 86 carries, 564 yards (6.6 avg), 4 touchdowns

Awards

2019 SEC Championship MVP

Strengths

While he played in a rotation due to Alabama’s talented backfield, Jacobs has the potential to be a three-down running back that can run between the tackles while also providing a threat in the passing game. He emerged as one of Alabama’s best blockers due to his physicality and understanding of a pass rush. His character and work ethic are top notch, and he has low tread on his tires with just 252 career carries. This past year, Jacobs led the nation with 41% of his carries resulting in a first down or touchdown.

Weaknesses

The biggest question mark that comes with Jacob is his lack of playing time at the college level. Of his 120 carries in 2018, only one went for 20-plus yards.

Verdict

Overall, Josh Jacobs has a rare combination of skills as he is multidimensional and can impact an offense in a variety of ways. He is a true three-down running back, and was the consensus top player at his position in the 2019 NFL Draft. NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah ranked Jacobs as the 8th overall player in the draft.

Fit With Raiders

With the retirement of Marshawn Lynch, the Raiders had a need at running back. They filled that hole drafting the best running back in the 2019 NFL Draft. Jacobs gives Jon Gruden a back with three-down potential due to his ability to run, catch, and block at a high level. Jalen Richard and Isaiah Crowell.provide good depth, but Jacobs takes Oakland’s backfield to a whole new level. He should have no problem surpassing 1,000 total yards as a rookie, and has the potential to become a Pro Bowl caliber player.

See BD Williams’s film breakdown here.