Josh Jacobs was the first running back selected in the 2019 NFL Draft despite never reaching the top of the depth chart during his three seasons at the University of Alabama. Two games into his NFL career, though, the Oakland Raiders running back has already established himself as a “special” player, at least according to his team's franchise quarterback.
Derek Carr told ESPN's Paul Gutierrez earlier this week that it's long been clear Jacobs has the chance to be a true impact player for a long, long time – experience and consistency provided, of course.
“He is a special player, we don't have to wait anymore,” Carr said of Jacobs. “He just has to do it every day, consistently in practice, consistently every game. But we know he's special. If you're a little kid and you love the Raiders and you're a running back, I'd buy his jersey, because he's going to be around a long time.”
Jacobs had 35 rushes for 184 yards and two touchdowns over the first two games of the season, averaging a stellar 5.3 yards per carry. In the Raiders season-opening victory over the Denver Broncos, he had 23 carries, more than in any single game he ever played with the Crimson Tide.
Oakland coach Jon Gruden sung Jacobs' praises throughout the offseason, and has prioritized getting his rookie ball-carrier touches early in the season. With a strong running game that's bound to improve already in place, Jacobs and the Raiders could use a helping hand from Carr, who tossed two interceptions and averaged just 5.2 yards per passing attempt in a 23-3 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday.
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