The 2019 Oakland Raiders are contenders for the NFL playoffs. Let that sink in for a minute. After the doom and gloom in the wake of the AB fiasco, how did we get here? Well, most noticeably a sterling rookie class is leading the way. Coming off of a 4-12 season in 2018, Jon Gruden hired NFL Network Draft Analyst Mike Mayock as Oakland’s General Manager. A move met with social media jokes by the thousand, immediately paid dividends with a stellar draft class. Overall, the class ranks number one in rushing yards (937), receptions (73), scrimmage yards (1,676), scrimmage touchdowns (14), and sacks (10). Let’s break down the Oakland Raiders rookie class as they make a push towards the playoffs.
Oakland Raiders Rookies Leading A Playoff Push
Offense
After finishing 25th in rushing yards per game in 2018, Oakland currently sits at 9th in 2019. The reason why? Rookie running back Josh Jacobs is a flat out stud. No need to mince words. To say he’s exceeded everyone’s expectations might be the understatement of the season. With 923 yards on the ground (4.8 ypc) to go along with 17 catches and seven touchdowns, Jacobs is the favorite for Offensive Rookie of the Year. Adding to the backfield is undrafted rookie fullback, Alec Ingold. The Wisconsin alum is providing incredible lead blocking and has a knack for making the most of his touches. Ingold has turned all six of his carries into first downs and his only catch went for a touchdown.
Adding to the versatile pass catchers for Oakland are fourth-round tight end Foster Moreau and fifth-round wide receiver Hunter Renfrow. The two have combined for 49 catches and six touchdowns. Of Renfrow’s 33 catches, 21 have moved the chains. Moreau’s four touchdowns, meanwhile, rank fourth amongst NFL tight ends.
Defense
The Oakland Raiders ranked dead last in the NFL with 13 sacks in 2018. THIRTEEN. Rookie defensive ends Maxx Crosby and Clelin Ferrell have combined for 10 sacks in the first ten games this season. In addition to the sacks, they’ve combined for 16 tackles for loss and eight passes defended. After his four-sack game in week 11, Crosby earned AFC Defensive Player of the Week. While I don’t see him winning it at this point, the fourth-round pick should get some votes for defensive rookie of the year.
In the defensive backfield, second-round pick cornerback Trayvon Mullen has taken over for the departed Gareon Conley and more than held his own. Mullen sealed the week 11 victory over Cincinnati with a timely interception. Fellow cornerback and fourth-rounder, Isaiah Johnson, recently came off injured reserve and contributed to the Bengals game with a pass defended of his own. The most heralded rookie defensive back is safety Johnathan Abram. The first-round pick had 5 tackles and a defended pass on opening night but was lost for the season in that game. He’ll be back as an enforcer next season.
So Can The Rookies Help Lead the Oakland Raiders to the Playoffs?
Yes, absolutely. Heading into week 12 they occupy one of the wildcard spots in the AFC. The Oakland Raiders being in that position is directly tied to this rookie class. With this much young talent on board and five of the first 92 picks in the 2020 draft, the future looks bright for Raider Nation.
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