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NFL Mock Draft 2.0: Redskins end up with a first-round quarterback, go defense in Round 2

By Jacob Camenker

NORMAN, OK - NOVEMBER 10: Quarterback Kyler Murray #1 of the Oklahoma Sooners looks to throw against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on November 10, 2018 in Norman, Oklahoma. Oklahoma defeated Oklahoma State 48-47. (Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images)
NORMAN, OK - NOVEMBER 10: Quarterback Kyler Murray #1 of the Oklahoma Sooners looks to throw against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on November 10, 2018 in Norman, Oklahoma. Oklahoma defeated Oklahoma State 48-47. (Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – JANUARY 07: Josh Jacobs #8 of the Alabama Crimson Tide carries the ball against the Clemson Tigers in the CFP National Championship presented by AT&T at Levi’s Stadium on January 7, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – JANUARY 07: Josh Jacobs #8 of the Alabama Crimson Tide carries the ball against the Clemson Tigers in the CFP National Championship presented by AT&T at Levi’s Stadium on January 7, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

26. . Running Back. Alabama. Joshua Jacobs. 22. player

Some may find it strange that I’m mocking a running back to the Ravens. After all, Gus Edwards fared well after taking over as the lead back in the second half of the season. So, why would the team go after a replacement for the undrafted rookie?

The answer is simple. Joshua Jacobs has the potential to be a top-level talent at the NFL. The Ravens appear to be content using a run-heavy offense with Lamar Jackson at the helm. To do that effectively, they will need a strong, three-down runner to carry the load. Jacobs could easily become that as a leader in the backfield.

During his final season at Alabama, Jacobs flashed a lot of excellent traits. He is very strong, has quick feet, can find the hole easily, and has good enough burst to break longer runs. He got great coaching at Alabama and had a career year in 2018, totaling 640 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns on just 120 carries. He also caught 20 passes for 247 yards and three scores, proving that he will be able to serve as third-down back for whatever team drafts him.

Hot. Redskins top-10 QB big board after Senior Bowl. light

With Jackson running the Ravens offense, Jacobs could be a featured back who gets close to 20 carries a game and works as the passing back. Meanwhile, Edwards would slide into the backup role and see roughly 10 touches per game, provided that the Ravens stick with the run-heavy offense they used last year.

In this scenario, Kenneth Dixon would see the biggest downgrade in role, as he would work as a change of pace back. This isn’t a bad thing though, as Dixon struggled at times with ball security last year and has been injury prone during his career as well. In short, keeping him on board as a depth option could be best for all parties.

The Ravens will have a choice with this pick. They could go all-in on Jackson improving as a passer and grab him a wide receiver to work with. Or, they could invest in the system that worked for them last year. Considering that Jacobs is arguably the best player on the board and the depth available in this receiver class, we’ll have the Ravens go with a running back in the first round.

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