Raiders: 5 players who could make the Pro Bowl this season
By Justin Fried
1. Josh Jacobs, RB
The Raiders may just have the NFL’s next rookie phenom on their hands in the form of running back Josh Jacobs. Some had concerns about Jacobs’ ability to handle a full workload in the pros given that he had never done so at Alabama.
But Jacobs has not only quieted those concerns, he’s turned a perceived “weakness” into a true strength. Only four running backs in the AFC have carried the ball more times than Jacobs as the rookie has been a true bell-cow back for the Raiders.
More from Golden Gate Sports
- Raiders: Rookie stock report following Week 3 performance
- 49ers sign new long snapper amidst a flurry of roster moves
- Oakland Athletics win Game 2 of Wild Card round with late-inning drama
- 49ers: George Kittle and Deebo Samuel cleared to return to practice
- 49ers expected to place DE Dee Ford on injured reserve
In nine games, Jacobs has rushed for 811 yards and seven touchdowns on a very healthy 4.8 yards-per-carry average. Only Nick Chubb of the Cleveland Browns has averaged more yards per attempt so far this season.
It’s been well-documented at this point, but Jacobs even managed to pass Marcus Allen for the most rushing yards in a season by a Raiders rookie. And he did so in just eight games.
Jacobs is on pace for over 1,400 rushing yards and 12 scores which would be some of the best numbers we’ve seen from a rookie running back in years. Only three AFC running backs have rushed for more yards than Jacobs this season and only one has done it on a better average.
Throw in his second-place seven touchdowns and you have a player who would be a lock to make the Pro Bowl right now.
Raiders still searching for additional safety help with Karl Joseph’s injury. dark. Next
Barring any unforeseen decrease in play or injury, Jacobs should be well on his way to securing a Pro Bowl nod in his rookie season.