Raiders Video: Jon Gruden Makes Call To Josh Jacobs, Johnathan Abram
Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
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Although there has been plenty of mixed reviews surrounding the Clelin Ferrell pick at No. 4, fans have been relishing the fact that the Oakland Raiders were able to bring in Josh Jacobs and Johnathan Abram in the first round as well.

The Raiders had stocked up on three first-rounders in the 2019 NFL Draft thanks to the blockbuster trades they made last year involving Khalil Mack and Amari Cooper. The time had finally arrived for Oakland to cash in on the investment they had made.

Head coach Jon Gruden and general manager Mike Mayock kicked things off by taking Ferrell with the fourth overall pick. After shaking up the draft boards, the Raiders were able to address their backfield needs with the selection of Jacobs.

Gruden himself wanted to inform Jacobs he would be taken with the 24th overall pick, via the team’s official Twitter:

Gruden followed then followed it up by selecting Abram with the 27th overall pick:

It is encouraging to see how excited both players were to receive the call from the Raiders. Oakland has a tall task ahead of them if they hope to enjoy a potential resurgence in the 2019 NFL season and they will need all three rookies to step up and make an immediate impact.

The decision to pick up Jacobs certainly makes plenty of sense for the Raiders offense. He will have some big shoes to fill with the retirement of Marshawn Lynch and Gruden has already indicated that he will have an opportunity to be the feature back in Oakland.

Meanwhile, the addition of Abrams provides the defense with some much-needed talent in the secondary. Despite his reputation as a hard-hitting safety, Gruden is hoping his versatile skill set will serve him well in pass coverage also.