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The biggest questions facing AFC West running backs

By Jake Kokoris

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 07: Clyde Edwards-Helaire #22 of the LSU Tigers stiff arms J.R. Reed #20 of the Georgia Bulldogs in the second half during the SEC Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 07, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 07: Clyde Edwards-Helaire #22 of the LSU Tigers stiff arms J.R. Reed #20 of the Georgia Bulldogs in the second half during the SEC Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 07, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) /
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OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 07: Josh Jacobs #28 of the Oakland Raiders breaks free to score on an 18 yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at RingCentral Coliseum on November 07, 2019 in Oakland, California. The Raiders won the game 26-24. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 07: Josh Jacobs #28 of the Oakland Raiders breaks free to score on an 18 yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at RingCentral Coliseum on November 07, 2019 in Oakland, California. The Raiders won the game 26-24. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Las Vegas Raiders

Running Backs: Josh Jacobs, Jalen Richard, Lynn Bowden Jr., Jeremy Hill

Is Josh Jacobs a darkhorse OPOY candidate?

Hot off a scorching rookie season, all eyes are on Josh Jacobs. Will this be the year he cements his status as a top-five NFL running back?

So far, Jacobs has thrived in Jon Gruden’s throwback, power run offense. Half bruiser, half escape-artist, Jacobs has a unique skill-set that makes him a very adaptable player. He’s the type of back who can thrive in a low scoring slugfest or a high-octane shootout.

Similar to the Chargers, Raiders quarterbacks Derek Carr, and Marcus Mariota are known for a contained, somewhat hesitant style of play. Lacking a QB with the firepower to light up the scoreboard, I expect the Raiders to lean heavily on Jacobs in the passing game. The question, much like with Austin Ekeler, is whether Jacobs can shoulder the load and be efficient even though opposing defense will zero-in on him.

The addition of Jeremy Hill, likely a move to add some depth to the position, is intriguing only because he’s had some productive seasons in the not-so-distant past.

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