MORE POSITION REVIEWS: Quarterbacks, Safeties
The 2019 regular season is officially in the books, and while we're already looking ahead to the 2020 offseason, let's take some time to look back at the Raiders' roster, position by position, to see what the new year could hold for the Silver and Black.
Next up, we take a look at the running backs.
*fullback Alec Ingold is also included in this position review.
Overview:
I've done it a dozen times already, so what the heck, I'll do it once more – I must deeply, humbly, and sincerely apologize.
I'll admit it, when the Silver and Black selected Josh Jacobs No. 24 overall in last year's NFL Draft, I didn't love it.
I didn't know if it was worth it to pull the trigger and select a back in the first round, and at the time, I felt like there were more pressing needs that had to be addressed on the roster.
Well, that's just one of the million reasons I'm not a "football guy" and the personnel decisions are left to the guys who spend months evaluating, because, we all know how that pick turned out.
Jacobs was an absolute stud for the Raiders, as the two-time NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month seemingly broke a franchise record each week, en route to an absolutely stellar first season in Silver and Black, carrying the ball 242 times for 1,150 yards and seven touchdowns.
Think about this, it took Jacobs just eight games to set the franchise record for rushing yards in a season by a rookie – you read that correctly, eight games.
The University of Alabama-product didn't do it all by himself though, as the dude he ran behind much of the year – fellow rookie Alec Ingold – quickly established himself as one of the best fullbacks in the NFL as well.
In addition to Jacobs, both Jalen Richard and DeAndré Washington proved their worth in 2019, particularly over the final few games of the season when No. 28 was missing time due to injury.
All told, Washington carried the ball 108 times for 387 yards and three touchdowns, while Richard also chipped in with 39 carries and 145 yards in his own right.
Jacobs may have gotten a majority of the pub in the running backs' room in 2019 – and deservedly so – but don't get it twisted, from top to bottom Kirby Wilson's group was one of the most complete on the entire roster.
Number to Know:
Seventy.
According to the good folks over at Pro Football Focus, Josh Jacobs forced an absurd 70 missed tackles in his first season in Silver and Black.
To give that number a little bit of context, Nick Chubb and Chris Carson were tied for second with 68 forced missed tackles in 2019, but Jacobs played fewer games than both those backs did.
A year in, and I think we're still trying to find out the correct adjectives to describe Jacobs' running style, but while those words haven't yet materialized, one thing is certain – that dude is going to be a problem in the AFC West for a long time.
Entering 2020…
Isaiah Crowell – Unrestricted Free Agent
Alec Ingold – Under Contract
Josh Jacobs – Under Contract
Jalen Richard – Unrestricted Free Agent
Rod Smith – Unrestricted Free Agent
DeAndré Washington – Unrestricted Free Agent
Let's start with the good news first – Josh Jacobs isn't going to be going anywhere for the foreseeable future.
The athletic rookie – along with fullback Alec Ingold – is under contract for 2020 and beyond, so Jon Gruden and Mike Mayock won't have to lose sleep over his status for a few years.
Now, the not-so-good news – literally everyone else in the position group from a year ago are unrestricted free agents and poised to hit the market.
And no disrespect to Crowell or Rod Smith, but I think the biggest question headed into 2020 for the Raiders' running backs is what happens with Jalen Richard and Deandré Washington.
Both with the team since 2016, the duo of Richard and Washington proved their worth to the Silver and Black time after time, and honestly, both have the talent to be starting running backs in the league.
So, as we approach the start of free agency, keep an eye on both those guys to see how their respective situations shake out.
Would I love to have both of them back in Silver and Black for their fifth season as Raiders? Absolutely, but we'll just have to wait and see how it all transpires over the next few months.
Position Group MVP:
You set a franchise record almost every time you step on the field, and you get the nod as the position group MVP.
Plain and simple, Josh Jacobs was an aberration in his rookie year, and he showed in short order that not only was he totally worth the No. 24 overall pick, but that he was also one of the best running backs in the entire NFL.
2019 was a great start for Jacobs, but it was just that – the start.
Check out part two of the best images taken during the Raiders' 2019 Season.
Raiders Head Coach Jon Gruden heads to the locker room following the Raiders preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams.
Raiders running back DeAndré Washington (33) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the Raiders preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams.
Raiders defensive tackle Maurice Hurst (73) makes a tackle during the Raiders preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams.
Raiders linebacker Vontaze Burfict (55) makes a tackle during the Raiders preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals.
Raiders safety Johnathan Abram (24) makes a tackle during the Raiders preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals.
Raiders wide receiver Rico Gafford (10) celebrates with quarterback Mike Glennon (7) after scoring a touchdown during the Raiders preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals.
Raiders quarterback Nathan Peterman (3) rushes during the Raiders preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals.
Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) runs after making a catch during the Raiders regular season game against the Denver Broncos.
Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes during the Raiders regular season game against the Denver Broncos.
Raiders wide receiver Tyrell Williams (16) runs after making a catch during the Raiders regular season game against the Denver Broncos.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) passes during the Raiders regular season game against the Denver Broncos.
Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes during the Raiders regular season game against the Denver Broncos.
Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) makes a tackle during the Raiders regular season game against the Denver Broncos.
Raiders wide receiver Tyrell Williams (16) goes up for a catch during the Raiders regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) passes during the Raiders regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Raiders center Rodney Hudson (61) during the Raiders regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes during the Raiders regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) celebrates after a play during the Raiders regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Raiders linebacker Tahir Whitehead (59) celebrates after making a tackle during the Raiders regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Raiders defensive end Benson Mayowa (91), linebacker Nicholas Morrow (50), and cornerback Daryl Worley (20) after a defensive stop during the Raiders regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes during the Raiders regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Raiders wide receiver Tyrell Williams (16) blocks for tight end Darren Waller (83) during the Raiders regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) rushes for a first down during the Raiders regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) runs after making a catch during the Raiders regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) blocks for running back DeAndré Washington (33) during the Raiders regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Raiders tight end Foster Moreau (87) makes a 18-yard touchdown catch during the Raiders regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts.
Raiders wide receiver Keelan Doss (18) runs after making a catch during the Raiders regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts.
Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes during the Raiders regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts.
Raiders linebacker Nicholas Morrow (50) runs after intercepting a pass during the regular season game against the Chicago Bears.
Raiders linebacker Tahir Whitehead (59) celebrates with linebacker Nicholas Morrow (50) during the regular season game against the Chicago Bears.
The Raiders huddle before the the regular season game against the Chicago Bears.
Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) celebrates his 12-yard touchdown run with tight end Foster Moreau (87) during the regular season game against the Chicago Bears.
Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes during the regular season game against the Chicago Bears.
Raiders center Rodney Hudson (61) and guard Richie Incognito (64) block as quarterback Derek Carr (4) looks for a receiver during the regular season game against the Green Bay Packers.
Raiders tight end Foster Moreau (87) celebrates after scoring on a 10-yard touchdown catch during the regular season game against the Green Bay Packers.
Raiders wide receiver Marcell Ateman (88) makes a catch during the regular season game against the Green Bay Packers.
Raiders cornerback Trayvon Mullen (27) stands on the field during the regular season game against the Houston Texans.
Raiders Head Coach Jon Gruden stands on the field before the regular season game against the Houston Texans.
Raiders tackle Trent Brown (77), guard Gabe Jackson (66), offensive lineman Andre James (68) and guard Richie Incognito (64) block for quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the regular season game against the Houston Texans.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) celebrates after wide receiver Tyrell Williams' (16) 46-yard touchdown reception during the regular season game against the Houston Texans.
Raiders wide receiver Zay Jones (12) and wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) celebrate after Renfrow's 65-yard touchdown reception during the regular season game against the Houston Texans.
Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) runs after making a catch for a 65-yard touchdown during the regular season game against the Houston Texans.
Raiders cornerback Daryl Worley (20) intercepts a pass during the regular season game against the Detroit Lions.
Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes during the regular season game against the Detroit Lions.
Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) makes a catch during the regular season game against the Detroit Lions.
Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes for a 3-yard touchdown during the regular season game against the Detroit Lions.
Raiders safety Erik Harris (25) returns an interception during the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes during the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Raiders safety Erik Harris (25) stiff arms the defender while returning an interception 56 yards for a touchdown during the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) punts during the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) passes during the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Raiders fullback Alec Ingold (45) celebrates after making a 9-yard touchdown catch during the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Raiders defensive end Clelin Ferrell (96) sacks the quarterback during the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) makes a tackle during the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) and defensive end Clelin Ferrell (96) during the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) makes a tackle during the regular season game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Raiders tight end Foster Moreau (87) celebrates after making a 2-yard touchdown catch during the regular season game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) celebrates after a 3-yard touchdown run during the regular season game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes during the regular season game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Raiders safety Erik Harris (25), linebacker Tahir Whitehead (59) and linebacker Nicholas Morrow (50) celebrate during the regular season game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Raiders cornerback Trayvon Mullen (27) celebrates with teammates during the regular season game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
The Raiders celebrate after cornerback Trayvon Mullen (27) intercepted a pass during the regular season game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the regular season game against the New York Jets.
Raiders center Rodney Hudson (61) during the regular season game against the New York Jets
Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) during the regular season game against the New York Jets.
Raiders defensive line coach Brentson Buckner during the regular season game against the New York Jets.
Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) runs after making a catch during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) breaks a tackle during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Raiders running back DeAndré Washington (33) is congratulated by wide receiver Keelan Doss (18) after rushing for a 14-yard touchdown during the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders linebacker Nicholas Morrow (50) and safety D.J. Swearinger (21) make a tackle during the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) looks for a receiver during the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders safety D.J. Swearinger (21) rushes the quarterback during the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) passes to tight end Darren Waller (83) during the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) looks for a receiver during the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders tight end Foster Moreau (87) is congratulated by fullback Alec Ingold (45) after a 1-yard touchdown catch during the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) passes during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders wide receiver Tyrell Williams (16) runs to the end zone on a 40-yard touchdown catch during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) eyes the quarterback during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) looks for a receiver during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (8) during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) celebrates during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) celebrates during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98), cornerback Isaiah Johnson (31) and defensive end Benson Mayowa (91) celebrate during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders linebacker Marquel Lee (52) celebrates during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders defensive end Dion Jordan (95) and defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) sack the quarterback during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders cornerback Trayvon Mullen (27) celebrates with linebacker Marquel Lee (52) during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders running back DeAndré Washington (33) rushes during the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) passes as guard Gabe Jackson (66) blocks during the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Raiders running back Jalen Richard (30) rushes during the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) rushes for a 3-yard touchdown during the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Raiders fans celebrate after quarterback Derek Carr (4) rushes for a 3-yard touchdown during the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) passes during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos.
Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) runs after making a catch during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos.
Raiders defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins (90) and defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos.
