Silver Minings: Can Josh Jacobs make impact as a receiver?

If the Raiders could pick to see two things from Josh Jacobs in his second NFL season it would be improved health, and the Alabama product making a bigger impact as a receiver out of the backfield.

Jacobs, the No. 24 overall draft pick in 2019, was brilliant for the Raiders as a rusher as a rookie. He was eighth in the NFL with 1,150 yards and he averaged 4.8 yards per carry as he established himself as a punishing runner. A worry spot was that Jacobs missed three games due to injury.

In 2020, the Raiders hope Jacobs can stay healthy and increase his numbers as a receiver. He had 20 catches for 166 yards on 27 targets. This link shows you the running backs who finished the 2019 season strong as receivers.

Jacobs has the ability to make a bigger impact as a receiver and I’d expect his reception numbers to increase in 2020. Still, his primary role will be as a rusher. The Raiders added Lynn Bowden in the third round of the draft to catch the ball out of the backfield and Jalen Richard excels in that area as well.

So, Jacobs may never be a huge receiving option, but it should become a bigger part of his game this season.

In other Raiders’ links:

• Big comeback: Former Raiders’ quarterback Bruce Gradkowski talks about a huge 2009 win in Pittsburgh on the Raiders’ website.
• Allegiant Stadium rides: The Las Vegas Review Journal reports on the approval of a stadium transportation plan.
• Bo Jackson, video-game legend: SB Nation remembers Bo Jackson’s video-game brilliance.
• Super flush: Allegiant Stadium has good pipes.
• Bigger practice squad: NFL Media is reporting the NFL is considering increasing practice squads from 12 to 16 during the coronavirus pandemic.