With the 2019 NFL scouting combine wrapped up, we’re seeing new mock drafts flying out. While not much should have changed following the combine, prospects have further cemented themselves in their spots for next month’s draft. That little bit of moving can cause a lot to change for the Baltimore Ravens at No. 22.
One such draft expert, ESPN’s Todd McShay, put together his third mock draft and has the Ravens selecting Alabama running back Josh Jacobs in the first round.
How do you make a dual-threat quarterback like Lamar Jackson even scarier? Put an explosive three-down running back like Jacobs next to him in the shotgun. Jacobs was never a full-time starter at Alabama, so he has a lot of tread left on the tires — and a whole lot of pop out of the backfield.
Baltimore needs a bell-cow running back if they’re going to truly succeed with a run-heavy offensive scheme. While Gus Edwards did well last season, we’ve seen the Ravens fail in recent years to find that single player who could carry the rushing attack for more than a season. By drafting Jacobs, Baltimore has the guy they can count on to shoulder the load not only for 2019 but beyond that.
Jacobs didn’t run at the combine because of a groin injury. But he noted the Ravens as “a good look,” and he fits in nicely with what Baltimore would want him to do.
Jacobs is explosive with the big build ideal for a team that loves to grind games out on the ground. More importantly, Jacobs is an accomplished receiving threat out of the backfield, which is something the Ravens haven’t truly had since Ray Rice. Teaming Jacobs with the freakishly athletic Jackson would make Baltimore’s offense more potent.
