NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Marshawn Lynch's reported retirement was something that caught the attention of the top running back in the NFL draft.
"That's crazy," Alabama running back Josh Jacobs said on Wednesday. "He's a legend. He's someone I definitely look up to, on and off the field."
If the Raiders running back steps away for good, his career will end with 10,379 yards and 84 touchdowns rushing. He added another 2,214 yards of total offense with his receiving numbers, which includes nine touchdowns during his 11-season career.
"I like the effort he put into the game," Jacobs said. "He runs like it means more than just football. He's not complacent with just being in the league. He wants to go down as one of the greatest ever, and he brings that attitude to the game. Also, he keeps it fun."
It is not out of the question the Raiders could tab Jacobs to replace Lynch. In addition to the No. 4 overall pick, the Raiders also have first-round selections at Nos. 24 and 27 – a fact with which Jacobs was already familiar.
"I don't really think about it too much, I just let it play out," Jacobs said of the possibility of the Raiders selecting him on Thursday in the first round.
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Jacobs (5-foot-10, 220 pounds) averaged 5.9 yards per rushing attempt during his three seasons at Alabama while sharing the duties with a talented group of backs during his time in college. Last season, Jacobs rushed for 640 yards and 11 touchdowns while adding 20 receptions for 247 yards and three touchdowns.
Although he did not make a pre-draft visit to Alameda, Jacobs said he had a lot of contact over the past couple months with coach Jon Gruden and general manager Mike Mayock. He met with them at the NFL Scouting Combine, and has been in regular contact via phone.
[RELATED: Raiders watch Jacobs at Alabama Pro Day]
Jacobs said he can envision himself fitting into the Raiders' offense, going along with quarterback Derek Carr and an improved group of wide receivers, which now includes Antonio Brown and Tyrell Williams.
"They already have a great quarterback and, obviously, they've added some great additions at receiver," Jacobs said. "So it's about putting those little pieces together. It's about fine-tuning things at this point. I feel like they're a couple of games away from being great. They're definitely going to make that step this year."
