Honestly, it feels like forever ago that we saw Josh Jacobs waiting in the green room, but the reality is his journey started in a very specific, high-stakes moment in Nashville. If you're looking for the quick answer, Josh Jacobs was drafted with the 24th overall pick in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft. He didn't just fall into the league, though. The Oakland (now Las Vegas) Raiders snagged him using a pick they got from the Chicago Bears. Remember the Khalil Mack trade? Yeah, that one. It's wild to think that a defensive superstar being shipped off is exactly what paved the way for Jacobs to become the face of the Raiders' backfield for half a decade.
The 2019 Draft Night Reality
It was April 25, 2019. Nashville was packed. When Commissioner Roger Goodell walked up to the podium for that 24th selection, the Raiders were in a weird spot. They needed a spark.
Jacobs was coming out of Alabama, but he wasn't your typical "workhorse" college back. He actually shared the carries with guys like Damien Harris and Najee Harris. Because of that, he didn't have the same "tread wear" concerns as other prospects. The Raiders saw a fresh, violent runner who could catch.
He signed a four-year rookie deal worth about $11.93 million shortly after. It’s kinda crazy looking back at those numbers now that he’s pulling in big veteran checks in Green Bay, but that 2019 draft was the literal foundation of his career.
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Why being a first-round back is a big deal
Most NFL teams nowadays hate taking running backs in the first round. They think they can find value in the fourth or fifth.
But when Josh Jacobs was drafted, the Raiders were betting on a specific type of physicality. He was the only running back taken in the first round that year. Think about that. Miles Sanders went in the second. David Montgomery went in the third.
The Raiders didn't care about the "analytical" trend of waiting on RBs. They wanted the guy who punished defenders at the second level.
Was he actually the best back in that class?
Looking back, the 2019 class was actually pretty stacked at the position, but Jacobs has largely outpaced his peers.
- Tony Pollard (4th round) has been great, but he’s a different style of player.
- Miles Sanders (2nd round) has had flashes but struggled with consistency.
- David Montgomery (3rd round) is a grinder, but he hasn't hit the 1,600-yard peak Jacobs reached in 2022.
Jacobs proved the Raiders right fairly quickly. He shattered Marcus Allen’s rookie rushing record for the franchise, putting up 1,150 yards in just 13 games.
Life after the draft: From Vegas to Green Bay
Fast forward to 2026, and the landscape has changed. After a massive 2022 season where he led the entire league in rushing with 1,653 yards, things got a bit rocky with the Raiders' front office.
There was the franchise tag drama in 2023. Then came the move to the Green Bay Packers in March 2024.
He signed a four-year, $48 million contract to replace Aaron Jones, and honestly, he’s fit into Matt LaFleur’s system better than most expected. Even with some nagging injuries in late 2025—like that bone bruise against the Giants—he still managed to put up 13 rushing touchdowns last season.
What to watch for next
If you're following his career now, the big story isn't just "when was he drafted," but "how much does he have left?"
As of early 2026, he’s entering the third year of that Packers deal. He’s 27 now, which is "old" in running back years, but because he didn't get 300 carries a year in college, his legs still look relatively fresh. The Packers are currently leaning on him as a veteran captain as they navigate the 2026 postseason.
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Actionable Insights for Fans and Analysts:
- Check the Cap: If you're into the business side, keep an eye on his 2026 cap hit. It's roughly $14.6 million. The Packers have an out after this season, so his performance in the current playoffs is basically his audition to stay for the 2027 campaign.
- Stat Hunting: Keep an eye on his "yards after contact." That was his calling card in the 2019 draft and it remains the best indicator of whether he’s slowing down.
- Roster Depth: Watch how Green Bay uses MarShawn Lloyd or any new acquisitions. If Jacobs' snap count stays above 60%, he's still the undisputed RB1.
He’s come a long way from being that 24th pick in Nashville. Whether he finishes his career in Green Bay or moves on again, the legacy of that 2019 draft class will always be defined by his ability to prove that sometimes, a first-round running back is actually worth the investment.