The Oakland Raiders selected University of Alabama running back Josh Jacobs with one of their three first-round draft picks on Thursday night, and many have questioned the Raiders' decision to take a halfback so early.
However, Oakland general manager Mike Mayock has high hopes for Jacobs, saying that he views the incoming rookie as a “three-down back,” via the Raiders' official team website.
Jacobs was not overly productive in college and is coming off of a junior campaign in which he rushed for 640 yards and 11 touchdowns while averaging 5.3 yards per carry. In addition, he hauled in 20 receptions for 247 yards and three scores.
He arrived at Alabama in 2016, and in his first year with the Crimson Tide, Jacobs totaled 567 yards while reaching the end zone four times on the ground, registering 6.7 yards per attempt.
His playing time actually dipped in his sophomore season, as he accumulated 284 yards and a lone rushing touchdown off of just 46 carries, also catching 14 passes for 168 yards and a couple of scores.
Not known for his breakaway speed or game-breaking ability, Jacobs was not viewed as a top-flight prospect, but obviously, the Raiders see something in him that prompted them to use a first-round draft choice on him.
One thing is for sure: Oakland can certainly use some help in the running game, as the Raiders ranked just 25th in the NFL in rushing offense this past season.
Overall, Oakland won just four games in 2018. The Raiders have made just one playoff appearance since last making it all the way to the Super Bowl back in the 2002-03 campaign.
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