There is a fantastic longform on the SBN main hub today from esteemed NFL Draft guru Four Verts (Charles McDonald) breaking down Josh Jacobs’ game.
The conclusion he walks away with is as inescapable as it is inevitable: No matter the phase of the game, Jacobs is the most efficient, consistent back in this draft class and the paradigm for what a running back should be in the modern NFL.
As the NFL continues to become more creative in its playcalling, offensive draft prospects who can do a bit of everything become more valuable to teams. One of the most versatile weapons this year is Alabama running back Josh Jacobs, who is projected to be the first running back off the board in the 2019 NFL Draft.
Jacobs produced everywhere for Alabama, whether it was standard handoffs, wildcat running plays, blocking, or receiving. He was able to perform as the Crimson Tide’s battering ram when they needed a yard or two, and he was a graceful receiver down the field when Alabama asked him to line up there.
There are great quotes from Jacobs and other tidbits in here too: DYK that Jacobs personally sought out and received advice on route-running technique from Julio Jones?
It’s hard to argue with McDonald’s analysis here either. I have a tremendous soft spot for both of ‘Bama’s running backs entering the draft — and especially Damien Harris — but Jacobs’ compact frame, explosiveness at the line, soft hands, and physicality in blocking set him apart, from an armchair GM standpoint.
Given the available backs in this thin class, is Jacobs the best? Maybe you still favor the consistent and mature Damien Harris? What about the comparable Mike Weber from Ohio State? Or Penn State’s Miles Sanders? Interestingly, all four players are sub-six-footers; all are between 210 and 220, and all have great hands out of the backfield. So, Four Verts definitely seems to be on to something with respect to the new model RB.
What do you think?
Poll
I am an NFL GM drafting for need in the backfield. No running backs have been selected yet. I take....
This poll is closed
-
85%
Josh Jacobs
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0%
Miles Sanders
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13%
Damien Harris
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0%
Mike Weber
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0%
Other running back ______