2019 NFL Draft Big Board: Top 25 Prospects entering NFL Combine

Another drum I’ve been beating for most of the season is that Alabama running back Josh Jacobs is the draft’s premier running back. Not only do I think that, I view Jacobs as the top skill-position talent in this class.

The versatile Jacobs was painfully underutilized during his time in Tuscaloosa and will enter the NFL with very low mileage on his legs. Jacobs checks all the boxes you’d want out of an NFL running back in 2019.

He’s a shifty, powerful runner who is just as happy making you miss with a jump-cut as he is lowering his head and bowling you over in the open field. He’s also an outstanding pass catcher out of the backfield, showing an ability to make catches down the field to go along with operating as a check-down option and then making defenders miss in the open field.

Jacobs is also a terrific downfield blocker, showing a willingness to get out in front of ball-carriers and deliver thunderous blocks to would-be tacklers.

Jacobs flew under the radar his entire career, coming to Alabama as a little known three-star running back out of Tulsa, and then going mostly unnoticed by the nation until he had a coming out party against home-state Oklahoma in the Orange Bowl, where his full repertoire was on display in Miami.

The NFL doesn’t value running backs like it once did, but a strong combine could vault Jacobs into the top half of the first round. I’ve seen him projected as high as No. 5 to Tampa Bay, and while that is far fetched, it wouldn’t be a surprise if he’s selected much higher than most would anticipate.

The Ravens at No. 22 would be a nice fit, and the Raiders are likely to consider using one of their two late first round picks on the Alabama product. My favorite schematic fit, however, remains in Kansas City alongside Patrick Mahomes. It seems unlikely at this point that he would be available when the Chiefs are on the clock at No. 29, unfortunately.