The Las Vegas Raiders have depended on their rushing attack to help lead their offense over the last few years, as running back Josh Jacobs led the NFL in rushing last season and was near the top of the league in rushing yards before sustaining an injury late this season.
As the Raiders began to look toward the future, they'll have to figure out first if Antonio Pierce will be their permanent head coach, and then decide on the future of Jacobs.
Whether Jacobs returns is one of the most pressing issues that Las Vegas must solve this offseason.
If Jacobs does or doesn't return, he shouldn't have much of an impact on the future of fullback Jakob Johnson, who was productive with Jacobs on and off the field this season.
Johnson opened holes for Zamir White in Jacobs' absence and also was a valuable addition to the Raiders' special teams.
For Johnson, his production cannot be measured by the amount of carries he gets or yards he rushes for, as there is no need for him to see many carries with Las Vegas having so many capable running backs.
There were there many rushing plays in the playbook for Johnson in the first place.
However, Johnson's production flies under the radar, similar to that of an offensive lineman, as his job is similar. Johnson joined the Raiders two seasons ago after spending the first three seasons in the National Football League with the New England Patriots.
Johnson can be a valuable asset for the Raiders if they bring him back next season. If they don't, Johnson will have more than a few suitors for his services this offseason.
While what Johnson does well might not be exciting to watch, he is undoubtedly effective at opening holes and providing extra protection for the quarterback when called upon in pass protection.
Those things, as well as being well-liked in Las Vegas' locker room while only costing the Raiders a little more than $1 million, make him worth Las Vegas' consideration to bring back next season.
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