Ranking the Oakland Raiders’ best picks of the 2019 NFL Draft

2. RB Josh Jacobs (First Round, No. 24)

The 2019 draft class did not boast a superstar running back like some of the previous classes have. There was no Saquon Barkley, Leonard Fournette or Ezekiel Elliott. And still, Josh Jacobs landing with the Raiders at No. 24 as the year’s top back is quite the get.

While he may not fall into the “superstar” category, the potential is there for Jacobs to be a game-changer for the Silver and Black in the near future. He’s a well-rounded, physical, playmaking runner who shined at Alabama despite injuries and limited touches. Given an opportunity to be the lead dog in Oakland, Jacobs could unlock his full potential.

I mean, why not? He can do just about everything. He’s a monster with the ball in his hands, using his tremendous mix of power, elusiveness and patience to keep defenses on their heels. On top of that, he’s a plus pass protector who can also make plays with his hands out of the backfield.

The retirement of Marshawn Lynch may not be what Raiders fans wanted, but it opens the door for Jacobs to run away with the featured role as a rookie. If he lives up to the hype as the class’ top runner and first-round talent, we could see him emerge as one of the key cogs for what should be an improved Oakland offense in 2019.

Here’s the best part: Jacobs is a kid worth rooting for. Check out the article he wrote for The Player’s Tribune if you need more reason to preorder your Jacobs jersey right now.