Oakland Raiders: Final 7-round 2019 NFL mock draft
Alabama. RB. Josh Jacobs. 24. player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. 28
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, running back Marshawn Lynch plans to retire for the second time. Las Vegas Review-Journal‘s Michael Gehlken hinted the Raiders planned to move on from the 33-year old running back after he suffered a season-ending groin injury in October:
It was Oakland Raiders or no one. RB Marshawn Lynch has elected to retire, per @AdamSchefter. Team had shown reticence to re-sign while exploring a new, younger direction at position. Lynch was franchise’s 2018 Walter Payton Man of Year for continued work in Oakland community.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) April 24, 2019
Before the news broke about Lynch, NBC’s Peter King projected the Raiders would take running back Josh Jacobs in the first round. “So, the best running back in this draft will probably be picked somewhere in the twenties, and three teams — Philly at 25, Indy at 26 and Oakland at 24 and 27 — are quite interested,” he wrote.
Teams have to keep track of other club’s targets in case there’s mutual interest in a prospect. If the Raiders like Jacobs, they cannot wait until pick No. 27 to choose him; the Philadelphia Eagles and Indianapolis Colts hold selection Nos. 25 and 26, respectively. To secure their choice, Gruden and Mayock would have to take the Alabama product at 24, if King’s sources are accurate.
Five of the top 10 rushers from last season were selected after the first round. The Raiders don’t need to choose a running back at 24. They should go with a tight end or left guard here, but it’s hard to talk a decision-maker out of a preferred prospect.
However, most analysts would agree Jacobs is the best running back in this class. He would share the workload with Isaiah Crowell, Jalen Richard and possibly Chris Warren III.
The Raiders signed Crowell to a one-year deal, so it’s possible the coaching staff may increase Jacobs’ touches in 2020. He can do it all in the backfield. The standout tailback averaged 5.9 yards per carry and caught 48 passes for 571 yards and five touchdowns through three years at Alabama. Jacobs also has the ideal frame (5-10, 220 pounds) to pick up blitzes in pass protection.