Mock Draft Monitor 3.0: RB Josh Jacobs Is the Post-Combine Leader

The Combine is in the books and analysts are releasing their next batch of mock drafts influenced by what they saw in Indianapolis. Last time we checked in, wide receiver D.K. Metcalf was an extremely popular pick for the Ravens at No. 22, but after he blew the doors off Lucas Oil Stadium, that’s no longer the case. Now, most pundits see the Ravens going with top running back Josh Jacobs out of Alabama. Jacobs did not participate in any of the Combine drills because of a groin injury, and said he plans to run at Alabama's pro day on March 19. When speaking with reporters at the Combine, Jacobs was keen to the idea of joining the Ravens and quarterback Lamar Jackson. “Lamar’s definitely tough,” Jacobs said at the Combine. “He’s different. Just playing with a lot of former Alabama players would make it easier for me transitioning. That would definitely be a good look.” Here are the latest projections since MDM 1.0 and MDM 2.0, which have all been released following the Combine: Todd McShay, ESPN RB Josh Jacobs, Alabama Junior; 5-foot-10, 220 pounds_ 2018: 640 rushing yards, 11 touchdowns, 20 catches, 247 receiving yards, 3 touchdowns “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.” Daniel Jeremiah, NFL Network WR Parris Campbell, Ohio State Senior; 6-foot-0, 205 pounds 2018: 90 receptions, 1,063 yards, 12 touchdowns “Look for the Ravens to build a track team around Lamar Jackson. Campbell had an outstanding workout at the combine, displaying mature route-running skills.”Matt Miller, Bleacher Report RB Josh Jacobs, Alabama “If Head Coach John Harbaugh expects to keep defenses from keying on quarterback Lamar Jackson with six and seven defensive backs on the field, the Ravens must bolster their backfield. Alabama's Josh Jacobs is a power back with moves and soft hands. He's a flawless receiver out of the backfield, and he has the patience, vision and agility to be a featured back in the Ravens' scheme. Jacobs is an easy answer to the issue of defenses adjusting for Jackson and will make the Baltimore offense much more well-rounded from the jump.” Jeff Zrebiec, The Athletic RB Josh Jacobs, Alabama "Wide receiver is a bigger need for the Ravens than running back, and there are a number of pass catchers available, including Oklahoma’s Marquise Brown, Mississippi’s A.J. Brown and Iowa State’s Hakeem Butler, that fit well here. Michigan’s Devin Bush would be a nice replacement for pending free agent C.J. Mosley, and the Ravens would love to grab a stud young pass rusher in this draft. But when you are building your offense around the running game, how do you bypass the best ball carrier in the draft? In Jacobs, the Ravens get a playmaker who runs with great effort, physicality and vision. He also has good receiving skills, so he’d check all the boxes for a Ravens team that hasn’t had a versatile and explosive three-down back since Ray Rice. The best-case scenario here would be to trade back, grab another Day Two pick and more, and still be in position to get Jacobs, one of the top receivers or a pass rusher. The next-best thing is to get Lamar Jackson a big-play guy in the running game." John Clayton, The Washington Post RB Josh Jacobs, Alabama “Undrafted free agent Gus Edwards is the current starting running back in Baltimore, and Jacobs is considered the only back to go in the first round. Still, don’t be surprised if the Ravens get into the Le’Veon Bell sweepstakes.” Nate Davis, USA Today DE/OLB Brian Burns, Florida State Junior; 6-foot-5, 249 pounds_ 2018: 52 tackles, 10 sacks, 15.5 tackles for loss, 3 forced fumbles “OLBs Terrell Suggs and Za'Darius Smith are unsigned. Restocking the defense currently looms as a bigger priority than a receiver for Lamar Jackson.” Dan Kadar, SB Nation RB Josh Jacobs, Alabama “Jacobs to Baltimore is a holdover pick from last week’s mock draft. He didn’t work out at the combine because of injury, but he’s still far and away the draft’s top back. A surprise wide receiver could be considered here too.”Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News RB Josh Jacobs, Alabama “This is the Ravens' first draft in a long time without Ozzie Newsome as GM, but Eric DeCosta should still have a little affinity for Alabama products. Alex Collins' release, plus the free agency of Ty Montgomery and Buck Allen, means Baltimore could use an upgrade from Gus Edwards. Jacobs (5-10, 220 pounds) is the best bet of any feature-type back to go early. There's a bit of Ezekiel Elliott in him; he's a smart, complete back who runs with great vision and power, and he is equally elusive as an outside runner and receiver.” Will Brinson, CBS Sports WR N’Keal Harry, Arizona State Junior; 6-foot-2, 228 pounds 2018: 73 receptions, 1,088 yards, 9 touchdowns “There are suddenly a LOT of areas in which the Ravens could improve their roster, but there's no doubt they need help for Lamar Jackson. Let's give them a big bodied wide receiver who tested well in the 40 and can be a playmaker out of the gate.” Ryan Wilson, CBS Sports OT Cody Ford, Oklahoma Junior; 6-foot-4, 329 pounds 2018: 14 starts, first-team All-Big 12, third-team Associated Press All-American “Ford had a breakout season at right tackle for the Sooners after excelling at right guard. In Baltimore he would immediately help in the run game, which will be a featured part of the Lamar Jackson offense for the foreseeable future.” Draft Wire, Luke Easterling WR Hakeem Butler, Iowa State Junior; 6-foot-5, 227 pounds 2018: 60 receptions, 1,318 yards, nine touchdowns “Lamar Jackson and the Ravens have a strong ground game, but if they want to balance the offense and help Jackson reach his full potential as a passer, they need to find a true No. 1 receiver. With his rare combination of size, speed and athleticism, Butler would be a fantastic fit.” Sam Farmer, L.A. Times RB Josh Jacobs, Alabama “In rebuilding their run-based offense around quarterback Lamar Jackson, the Ravens need a durable three-down back.”