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AFC West positional rankings: Josh Jacobs leads division’s running backs

By Grant Tuttle

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 22: Running back Josh Jacobs #28 of the Las Vegas Raiders dives for the end zone against the Kansas City Chiefs in the second half of their game at Allegiant Stadium on November 22, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 22: Running back Josh Jacobs #28 of the Las Vegas Raiders dives for the end zone against the Kansas City Chiefs in the second half of their game at Allegiant Stadium on November 22, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/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) /

The AFC West is chalked full of top-end running back talent. Amongst the names: Melvin Gordon, Austin Ekeler and Clyde Edwards-Helaire. Who’s on top?

The AFC West has a unique selection of running backs. You have strong runners, receiver first running backs and power backs. With names like Melvin Gordon, Austin Ekeler, Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Josh Jacobs, there is definitely a debate as to which group is best.

The most notable change to the running back position is the departure of Phillip Lindsay who left for Houston after he was signed as a restricted free agent in free agency. Otherwise, there have been minor additions via the draft and free agency. Here are our AFC West running back positional grades.

1. Josh Jacobs, Las Vegas Raiders

#2 back: Kenyan Drake

This, by far, is the Raiders greatest offensive strength. Although they seem to have lost talent at other positions, the addition of Kenyan Drake to this running back group puts the Raiders to the top of the heap in the west.

Jacobs provides a power back dynamic with great athleticism. Although he is not especially skilled at catching the ball out of the backfield, he is a top-tier NFL running back. Jacobs has a running style similar to the likes of Clinton Portis or Adrian Peterson. He has what it takes to win a rushing title.

Drake was an interesting addition to the offense this season. Now on his third team, Drake is known for his ability in the open field and in the passing game. Drake can burn down the field and make plays. The Raiders invested in a very good one-two punch in the rushing game.

Despite improvement at the position group, it appears as though the Raiders offense as a whole could take a step back. The team has switched things up on the offensive line and it seems as though the offense will go through some growing pains this season. That being said, the Raiders running back group remains at the top of the AFC West.

Jacobs Last Season: 273 carries for 1065 yards, 3,9 ypc, 12 touchdowns. 33 receptions for 238 yards.

Drake Last Season: 239 carries for 955 yards, 4.0 ypc, 10 touchdowns. 25 receptions for 137 yards.

Jacobs 2021-2022 prediction: 285 carries for 1101 yards, 3.86 ypc, 11 touchdowns. 20 receptions for 157 yards

Drake 2021-2022 prediction: 89 carries for 341 yards, 3.83 ypc, 2 touchdowns. 43 receptions for 348 yards and 2 touchdowns.

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