Raiders 2019 Draft Prospect: RB Joshua Jacobs

2019 Raiders Draft Profile

Name: Josh Jacobs

Position: Running Back

School: The University of Alabama

Height: 5’11”

Weight: 216 pounds

Round Projection: 2-3

Stats

Run Style

With a sturdy frame, Jacobs attacks the hole with force. In addition, outstanding vision allows the play to develop before him. Furthermore, Jacobs does not shy away from contact. In order to gain that extra yard, he will finish runs with the shoulder. If the Tide needed that three yards, and a defender stood between Jacobs and the first, the defender would feel immediate impact. On the other hand, Jacobs would use brute force prudently. As a result, defensive approaches would differ.

Agility

While Jacobs presents as a one cut, no-nonsense rusher, he does posses the ability to cut through the hole. In addition, if the hole closes rapidly, Jacobs show fluidity in bouncing the play outside. As a result, he can tear off large chunks of yards when the play looked dead.

Speed

Granted, Jacobs does not possess breakaway speed. Conversely, he will sprint away from poor angles at the second and third level. On perimeter plays, he will gain the corner and immediate cut upfield. After, he accelerates, blurring down the sideline. If Jacobs times well in the 40 at the combine, ignore it. Game film already shows a player capable of explosive plays. In addition, Jacobs displays this on kick returns, which should bolster his draft value.

Hands

Despite his stocky build and running style, Jacobs possess capable, sure hands in the passing game. Without bobbling, he snares the ball with confidence. More importantly, Jacobs excels in multiple routes. Alabama used him in the flat and down the seam, where he slipped away from a linebacker.

Blocking

While Alabama used him, sparingly in these situations, Jacobs shows no hesitation in squaring up on a blitzer. Plus, he will chip and flow into a route. At the next level, Jacobs could see a little more action in this situation.

Raiders Fit

With nothing but uncertainty, the Raiders head into the offseason. In reality, the running back group remains a mystery. Will Marshawn Lynch’s status for 2019 unresolved, the team must look elsewhere, for now. Moreover, who sits behind Lynch? Doug Martin is not the answer. The Raiders need a wholesale upgrade. In Jacobs, they would draft a three-down back that can thrive with 15-18 touches. Additionally, he could provide a spark to the return game, if the Raiders view him as an early backup.