The Baltimore Ravens are likely going to be shopping this offseason for a running back to compete with Gus Edwards next season. That could come in the 2019 NFL draft and as early as the first round if Alabama running back Josh Jacobs has anything to say about it.
During interviews at the 2019 NFL scouting combine, Jacobs said going to Baltimore would “be a good look.”
Jacobs talked a bit about quarterback Lamar Jackson and excitedly called the Ravens passer “different.” Jacobs also noted Baltimore’s history with Alabama players and the number of them already on the roster would make his transition to the NFL easier if the Ravens were to select him.
Jacobs isn’t lying about Baltimore’s love of Alabama players under former general manager Ozzie Newsome. Currently, the Ravens have five former Alabama players on their roster, including offensive lineman Bradley Bozeman and cornerback Anthony Averett — both of whom were selected in the 2018 NFL draft.
It’s unclear if Baltimore will look for a running back in the first round but Jacobs has widely been considered one of the best in this draft class. Jacobs decided to not run at the NFL combine following a groin injury that limited him. We’ll likely get a far better look at just how Jacobs measures against the rest of the running back group at Alabama’s Pro Day, but the rest of the draft class has been putting up slower than expected 40-yard dash times.
With no definitive starter at running back and Jacobs’ comments at the combine, it sounds like he’d be a good fit for the Ravens.
