Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs is coming off a stellar rookie campaign that saw him establish himself as one of the most promising young players in the league.
Not only did Jacobs fit the billing as a former first-round pick, but he also emerged as the focal point of the offense during the 2019 NFL season. Although a shoulder injury may have prevented him solidifying his case for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, he still put in a solid bid by rushing for the eighth-most yards in the league (1,150 yards) and seven touchdowns.
Despite his prowess as a runner, he still has yet to flash his versatility in the passing game after hauling in a mere 20 receptions for 166 yards. Raiders general manager Mike Mayock is hoping that will change in the 2020 NFL season.
According to Eddie Paskal of the team’s official website, Mayock feels the Raiders must find a way to cultivate his pass-catching abilities:
“Josh, obviously, had a great year,” said General Manager Mike Mayock Tuesday at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. “I couldn’t have been happier with Josh. Josh can catch a football, and I think challenge No. 1 for him in Year Two is developing those talents.’’
Mayock added that pass-blocking will be just as important as being a viable option out of the backfield:
“Now, you have to understand, to catch the football in Jon Gruden’s offense as a running back, not only do you have to run routes, but you have to protect you quarterback,” Mayock explained. “He [Jacobs] has got the physical capabilities and the toughness to pass protect, we just have to make sure, in Stage Two this year, this development of him as a receiver, that he can do all of it. If he has to stay in and knock down a defensive end, he has to do it. If the linebacker’s coming, if he has to scan… those are hard things for a rookie running back, and we didn’t want to put too much on his plate, but he certainly has the capabilities to do it, and we’re going to expect more from him this year in that department.”
Running back Jalen Richard largely served as the go-to option on third downs and passing situations for the Raiders last season with 36 receptions for 323 yards. As a result, Mayock made sure to keep Richard around as the complementary option with a two-year extension this offseason.
Regardless, Mayock’s comments indicate that the plan is for Jacobs to become a full-fledged workhorse as an every-down back. This means he will have to start making tremendous strides in his development as a receiver and a blocker if he hopes to solidify this role.
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