4 NFL Teams That Are Kicking Themselves for Not Drafting Josh Jacobs Ahead of the Raiders

Most people assumed that the Oakland Raiders would be an afterthought in the AFC West, but they are now just one game behind Kansas City for first place in the division. Rookie running back Josh Jacobs has been a big part of Oakland's success this year and is currently a frontrunner for Offensive Rookie of The Year. This begs the question, how did he fall all the way to the No. 24 overall pick in the draft last April? Well, here are four teams who are probably less than thrilled with their decision to bypass the Alabama product.

4. Atlanta Falcons

Atlanta Falcons v New Orleans Saints / Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images

The Falcons have been unable to consistently run the ball all year. They are also down to their third string running back now that Ito Smith has been placed on IR and Devonta Freeman is expected to miss some time. Sure, they already had a starting caliber back in Freeman, but it's not uncommon to have two good runnings backs on your roster, and we bet they would love to have Jacobs right about now.

3. Buffalo Bills

Washington Redskins v Buffalo Bills / Brett Carlsen/Getty Images

Frank Gore and Devin Singletary coupled with dual-threat quarterback Josh Allen have made Buffalo's rushing attack the strength of their offense. However, Singletary, while clearly talented, has already shown signs of being a bit injury prone, and Gore can't play forever, right? Had they selected Jacobs in the 2019 draft, they could have had a potent running game that could rival that of the Baltimore Ravens.

2. Miami Dolphins

Miami Dolphins v Indianapolis Colts / Michael Hickey/Getty Images

Look, the Dolphins are an absolute dumpster fire this year. But the future looks bright in Miami considering the stockpile of draft picks they've accumulated. Well, given the lack of talented running backs on the roster, perhaps Jacobs would've been a better fit in Miami than Christian Wilkins. It was pretty clear this offseason that Kenyan Drake wasn't in the Dolphins' long term plans, leaving the suspended Mark Walton and the inconsistent Kalen Ballage as the team's top weapons out of the backfield. Jacobs would instantly be an upgrade over any of the aforementioned backs.

1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Arizona Cardinals v Tampa Bay Buccaneers / Will Vragovic/Getty Images

Tampa Bay had the No. 5 pick in the 2019 draft and selected linebacker Devin White from LSU, who by all accounts should develop into a nice player. But, his presence on the Bucs' defense hasn't made much a difference so far this season. Splitting carries for the Bucs has been the tandem of Peyton Barber and Ronald Jones, but neither has been particularly impressive, though the latter has shown signs of life lately. If Jacobs were in Bruce Arians' backfield he could help alleviate pressure from Jameis Winston and force defenses to more closely account for Tampa's rushing attack.