2019 NFL Draft: Projected First Round after NFL Combine

Alabama’s Josh Jacobs was unable to participate in drills at the combine due to a groin injury, but his place at the top of draft boards at his position appears to be safe. Jacobs is likely to be the only first round running back prospect, and projections on him vary greatly at the moment. Some have him projected in the Top 10, but other needs look like too much of a priority for teams ahead of this pick for me to think someone jumps at a running back that high.

That would be good news for the Ravens as Jacobs is one of the best offensive players in this draft class, and offers the versatility to impact the game in a variety of ways. He’s an excellent runner with shiftiness and power; he’s just as willing to cut and shake a defender as he is to lower this shoulders and bowl over one for necessary yardage. He’s an excellent receiver out of the backfield too, constantly proving to be a danger in space. He’s a willing downfield blocker as well, relishing the opportunity for contact to spring a teammate for a big gain.

Jacobs is an all-around excellent football player who will bring numerous dimensions to the table for whichever team drafts him. He was underutilized during his time at Alabama, but his performance in the College Football Playoff put the NFL on notice.

Baltimore needs to surround Lamar Jackson with as much talent as possible moving forward, and providing him with a safety valve like Jacobs might be a perfect marriage. Passing on a wide receiver with this selection might annoy the fanbase as that looks like the team’s biggest need, but the draft is deep enough at the position for Baltimore to find an impact player on the second day of the draft.

There’s only one Josh Jacobs, though, and he would also likely represent the best player available at this point of the first round. He’s the dynamic playmaker that the Ravens sorely need to add to their offense.