Over the next 40 days (May 1st to June 10th), I will break down 40 of the NFL’s “Sophomores”. By sophomores, Imean players in their 2nd year of the NFL. The 2019 Draft class was quite special and has shown some early promise. I want to reflect on each player’s rookie year, take a look forward, and finally evaluate their dynasty and redraft value going into the 2020 NFL Season. I hope you enjoy this 40-day adventure as I dive into the emerging stars the NFL has to offer. Next on the list is Josh Jacobs. Below you will find every player I have covered to this date.

Sophomore SZN : Kyler Murray / Daniel Jones / T.J. Hockenson / Dwayne Haskins / Noah Fant / Josh Jacobs / Marquise Brown / N’Keal Harry

Rookie Season

Josh Jacobs found himself in one of the best spots for a rookie. He would start his career playing behind a Top 3 offensive line, and you could make an argument for them being the best. Gruden was committed to run the ball. Gruden wanted to establish his coaching identity early and often. Jacob’s 2019 average draft position of the 3rd round suggested that people expected Jacobs to perform Year 1. Jacobs opened up his rookie season on Monday Night Football as the Denver Broncos traveled to Oakland. The rookie back ran for 85 yards and 2 scores and showed his owners that it was going to be a good season for them. Jacobs was the RB #11 in standard leagues through the first 8 weeks of the season.

Jacobs’ best part of the season came between weeks 5-12. He had 4 games with over 100 rushing yards during that time. During that stretch, Jacobs scored 5 of his total 7 TD for the year. Jacobs missed Week 16 due to a shoulder injury. It was a bummer that Jacobs wouldn’t be available to owners for their fantasy championships. Jacobs had a good matchup against the Chargers, who gave up 23.8 fantasy points a game to the RB. Jacobs sat out again in Week 17 and this was the end of his rookie year. He showed that he is capable of being a workhorse back for the Raiders. He also leader in broken tackles out of all RB in 2019.

Looking Forward

There are no doubts that JJ will be the focal point for the Raiders offense in 2020. I still have questions regarding the signing of Marcus Mariota. I would have to believe that Gruden will let Mariota compete for the starting job. However, I don’t think it matters who the starting the QB is. Jacobs will still be the “man” in the offense. Mayock has been vocal about getting Jacobs the ball in the receiving game. I understand that using Jacobs in the passing game will open up the offense but I will have to see it before I believe it. Every year around this time, many reports come out about targeting the star RB more but the season comes and goes and nothing changes.

Another reason I don’t see Jacobs’ target share increasing is Lynn Bowden. The Raider used a 3rd round draft pick on the most versatile player in the draft. Bowden has been positioned at RB for the Raiders and will start the season behind Jacobs on the depth chart. Bowden is explosive with the ball in his hands and I think he will be used primarily as a pass-catcher out the backfield. Jacobs will still get all the rushing work and I think there is more in store for him in 2020. He will finish as a Top 10 RB in fantasy if he stays healthy, and I fully expect him to do so.

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Redraft Value

Josh Jacobs has a real chance to be a first-round draft pick in standard leagues. His large workload and a chance to score 10+ TD in 2020 makes him a real shot at a Top 10 back. One thing, in .5 or 1 PPR leagues, I would say he should go in the back end of the 2nd round. I just don’t think he gets much more involved in the passing game. I can see him possibly adding 10 – 15 more catches, but in the grand scheme of things that isn’t much. Jacobs has everything set up for him to finish in the Top 10. A strong offensive line will pave the way for Jacobs, and in turn, he will pave a way for you to the fantasy playoffs.

Dynasty Value

Josh Jacobs would fall right into my Top 10 Dynasty RB. Jacobs would be my 10th RB on that list. Entering his second year, I am excited about what he can offer. I do think he will be touchdown dependent if he wants to finish within the top 5 fantasy backs. He just doesn’t have the passing work that makes him a top 5 back. He will have to score more than 12 TD in 2020 to reach that mark. Jacobs is a great piece to start your dynasty team with. In a league that top backs don’t get paid, I feel Las Vegas will be Jacobs home. Jacobs will have to continue to stay healthy when asked to handle a full workload. My current projection for him is 1,280 rushing yards with 11 TD and 34 catches for 278 yards and 1 TD. 

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