Jon Gruden sees opportunity for Josh Jacobs to learn from NFL veteran
By Andrew Olson
Published:
By taking Josh Jacobs with the No. 24 overall pick, the Oakland Raiders made it clear that the organization has longterm plans for the former Alabama running back. The team’s backfield rotation for the 2019 season, however, is still being figured out.
Jacobs enters a backfield where leading rusher Doug Martin is back, but due to the injury of free-agent signing Isaiah Crowell. Raiders coach Jon Gruden sees an opportunity for Jacobs to learn from Martin in 2019.
“Doug will be able to come in here and be a great mentor to Jacobs,” Gruden told NBC Sports Bay Area. “He knows the system. He has produced in the system. Doug has had some real highs and some real lows in this league. He’ll be a great resource to our young back, and he can still play. We’re happy to have Doug back and disappointed for Isaiah.”
At this point, Gruden also expects Jalen Richard and DeAndre Washington to contribute in the Oakland backfield. Gruden cautions that Jacobs might not be seeing many carries as a rookie.
“We’ll see what happens with Jacobs,” Gruden said. “He has a lot to learn in our system, and he has to beat out some good backs.”
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
