Oakland Raiders running back Josh Jacobs has the chance to earn a big role as a rookie. Oakland took him in the first round, and they didn't bring back Marshawn Lynch, so the opportunity is right there.

First though he'll have to deliver in training camp and prove he belongs, and so far it seems like everything is going well.

“It’s actually a lot better than I thought it would be,” Jacobs said Sunday, per Evan Groat of Silver and Black Pride. “It’s definitely a lot different than college. They look out for you a lot more from a body standpoint and things like that. Mentally it’s honestly been easier than I thought. Just preparing myself, going over the little off time we had meetings with coaches twice a week, just going over plays and stuff like that has helped me along the way.”

Obviously staying healthy is a large part of the game, especially for a running back. When asked what has surprised him about his first NFL camp so far, Jacobs said that it's been how well his body has held up.

Article Continues Below
More Las Vegas Raiders News
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) performs a drill during Las Vegas Raiders Minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Raiders HC Pete Carroll’s plan with Ashton Jeanty will turn fantasy managers’ headsRichard Pereira ·
Raiders sent a heartfelt message after a former player passed away
Raiders mourn passing of former player with heartfelt messageLorenzo J Reyna ·
Las Vegas Raiders head coach Pete Carroll looks on during Las Vegas Raiders Minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Pete Carroll’s minicamp is already off the rails with shenanigansMalik Brown ·
The Raiders have this trio earning underrated sleeper status
3 Las Vegas Raiders underrated sleepers who could breakout in 2025 NFL seasonLorenzo J Reyna ·
Raiders news: Vegas signs 143-tackle linebacker in free agency, Germaine Pratt
Raiders sign 143-tackle linebacker in free agencyChris Spiering ·
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) runs through a drill during Las Vegas Raiders Minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Raiders’ Ashton Jeanty adds himself to Mount Rushmore of Running BacksBenedetto Vitale ·

“I guess how, it’s smooth, honestly. I thought it was going to be way rougher than what it is. But I guess that’s just because I kind of like mentally knew a lot coming in but physically it feels smooth on my body.”

It's good to hear everything is working out well for him right now, and he'll be one of the Raiders' most interesting players to watch in the preseason.

The Raiders didn't draft the Alabama product 24th overall to sit on the bench, and he should be Oakland's starter in 2019 unless something goes wrong.