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Oakland Raiders: Projected rookie roles, statistics for 2019 season

By Maurice Moton

COLUMBIA, SC - NOVEMBER 25: Clelin Ferrell #99 of the Clemson Tigers reacts after a play against the South Carolina Gamecocks during their game at Williams-Brice Stadium on November 25, 2017 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
COLUMBIA, SC - NOVEMBER 25: Clelin Ferrell #99 of the Clemson Tigers reacts after a play against the South Carolina Gamecocks during their game at Williams-Brice Stadium on November 25, 2017 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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MIAMI, FL – DECEMBER 29: Josh Jacobs #8 of the Alabama Crimson Tide carries the ball in the second quarter during the College Football Playoff Semifinal against the Oklahoma Sooners at the Capital One Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium on December 29, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL – DECEMBER 29: Josh Jacobs #8 of the Alabama Crimson Tide carries the ball in the second quarter during the College Football Playoff Semifinal against the Oklahoma Sooners at the Capital One Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium on December 29, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

RB Josh Jacobs (No. 24 overall)

Gruden has held the head-coaching position in 12 seasons between the Raiders and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Under his tutelage, only two running backs have eclipsed 1,000 yards, Tyrone Wheatley in 2000 and Cadillac Williams in 2005.

Typically, Gruden spreads the touches among multiple running backs. Before Marshawn Lynch went down with a groin injury six games into last year’s season, he averaged 15 carries per contest as a proven commodity with experience in the lead tailback role.

At Alabama, Josh Jacobs didn’t average more than eight carries per game in any of his three collegiate terms. He’s familiar with the running back committee approach, and it’s possible that will only change slightly under Gruden.

As a first-round pick, Jacobs should see the bulk of the carries as the lead ball-carrier. However, 12-15 rush attempts may be his range for the upcoming season. After running back Isaiah Crowell tore his Achilles, ending his year, the Raiders quickly re-signed Doug Martin who led the team with 723 rushing yards in 2018.

Furthermore, Gruden will see what Chris Warren III has to offer following a productive preseason in which he led the league with 292 rushing yards. Jalen Richard will likely handle a few carries a game as well. DeAndre Washington may fall out of favor with the rookie addition. Coming off a knee scope, he only logged 30 rush attempts for 115 yards last season.

Jacobs isn’t a strong candidate for a 1,000-yard campaign on the ground, but he could battle wideout Antonio Brown for most yards from scrimmage because of his ability to run and catch out of the backfield.

Projection: 825 rushing yards, 290 receiving yards, 9 total touchdowns

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