The Raiders got that pick from the Chicago Bears in a trade—a massive deal that sent Khalil Mack to Chicago. Imagine trading your best guitar for a kazoo, and then that kazoo turns out to be a golden treasure. That’s essentially what happened.
The Bears gave up two first-round picks (in 2019 and 2026) plus more, just to get Mack. And the Raiders used one of those picks to grab Josh Jacobs. So, in a weird way, the Bears drafted Jacobs by accident—like when you order a pizza and get free breadsticks you didn’t ask for but totally devour.
It’s funny how life works. Bears fans probably thought, "We got a Hall of Fame pass rusher!" while Raiders fans were like, "Uh, thanks for the running back." But here we are, years later, and Jacobs just led the NFL in rushing yards in 2026. So who’s laughing now? Everyone who didn’t draft him.
The Jon Gruden Factor
Let’s not forget the mastermind behind the pick: Jon Gruden. Yes, that Jon Gruden—the guy with the scowl, the visor, and the love for old-school football. He walked into the draft room like a dad at a garage sale, pointing at Jacobs and saying, "That one. He reminds me of a tougher version of me."
Last Time the Raiders Drafted a RB in the 1st Round? | BetMGM
Gruden and general manager Mike Mayock had a plan: build a smash-mouth offense. They wanted a running back who could break tackles, catch passes, and make defenders look like they were running in quicksand. Jacobs was that guy. He’d been sharing carries at Alabama, but Gruden saw past the stats—like ordering the cheapest steak and realizing it’s actually prime rib.
And let’s be real: the 2019 draft class was loaded. You had Kyler Murray, Nick Bosa, and Quinnen Williams going early. But the Raiders stayed patient, like a cat waiting for the one piece of cheese off the charcuterie board. They got their guy, and it worked.
What This Means for Your Fantasy Team
If you’re a fantasy football player, you’ve probably cursed or cheered Jacobs’ name. In 2026, he was the steal of the draft—a guy going in the fourth or fifth round who finished as the RB1 overall. It was like finding a twenty-dollar bill in your winter jacket during a heatwave.
But here’s the real lesson: drafting is part science, part luck, and part remembering that the Bears traded away a pick for a player who’s now on the Chargers. It’s the same reason you should never throw away old Tupperware—you never know when it’ll hold leftover pasta or a championship run.
Tulsa native Josh Jacobs drafted #24 overall by Oakland Raiders - YouTube
So next time someone asks, "Who drafted Josh Jacobs?" just smile and say, "The Raiders—with a little help from Chicago’s generosity." It’s the kind of story that makes you nod along, like when you realize your grandma’s potato salad recipe was actually from a deli. Doesn’t matter where it came from; you’re just glad it’s on the table.
And if you’re a Bears fan? Well, you can always blame the coach, the weather, or that one guy who spilled beer on your nachos. But deep down, you know: sometimes the best picks are the ones you never intended to make.
Final Bite
Josh Jacobs’ draft story is a reminder that football, like life, is a series of trades, accidental wins, and a whole lot of "what ifs." The Raiders got a superstar. The Bears got a memory. And the rest of us get to sit back, eat our barbecue, and laugh about it all.
So raise your glass to Josh Jacobs—the guy who was drafted by one team, helped by another, and cherished by fantasy owners everywhere. He’s proof that even the most confusing path can lead to a glorious touchdown dance.
