Even though he was the first running back off the board in the 2019 NFL Draft, Josh Jacobs still managed to surprise some people in his rookie season.
His burst, vision and toughness made him one of the hardest backs in the league to bring down, and it was clear he was turning heads before being shut down with an injury late in the season.
In Year Two, Jacobs won't have the luxury of surprising anyone. He's shooting up fantasy draft boards and preseason best-of lists. The latest accolade comes from ESPN, who predicts he'll be one of the top 100 best players in the NFL in 2020.
What they had to say:
In rushing for a franchise rookie record of 1,150 yards, Jacobs set a high bar for himself. Then he went even higher, saying he wants to catch 60 passes in 2020. That's unlikely, though Las Vegas is betting on his continued ascent as a premier feature back. His preternatural field vision and deceptive power make it a winning wager.
He was the only Raider on the list, though, and if this offense operates to its full potential, he won't be the alone on the 2021 list.
Take a look back at the best photos of RB Josh Jacobs from his rookie season with the Silver and Black.
Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes for a touchdown during the Raiders regular season game against the Denver Broncos.
Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) celebrates a touchdown during the Raiders regular season game against the Denver Broncos.
Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) celebrates a touchdown 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 Kansas City Chiefs.
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 Raiders regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts.
Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes 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 running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes during the regular season game against the Houston Texans.
Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes during the regular season game against the Green Bay Packers.
Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes for a touchdown during the regular season game against the Detroit Lions.
Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes for a touchdown during the regular season game against the Detroit Lions.
Raiders guard Gabe Jackson (66) and running back Josh Jacobs (28) celebrate a touchdown during the regular season game against the Detroit Lions.
Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) celebrates a touchdown with fans during the regular season game against the Detroit Lions.
Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) celebrates a touchdown with fans during the regular season game against the Detroit Lions.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) and running back Josh Jacobs (28) celebrate a touchdown 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 running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes for a touchdown during the regular season game against the Detroit Lions.
Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) celebrates a touchdown with fans during the regular season game against the Detroit Lions.
Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes for a touchdown during the regular season game against the Detroit Lions.
Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes during the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes for an 18-yard touchdown during the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes for an 18-yard touchdown during the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes 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 running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes 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 running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes 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 running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
