NFL Mock Draft 4.0: Quarterbacks rise post-combine, Redskins land pass catcher

The Eagles need to add a true starting running back in the draft. They’ve utilized Jay Ajayi for the past couple of years, but he was injured for most of last season and is set to hit free agency. With the team dealing with cap issues, retaining him isn’t a likely move.

Luckily for Howie Roseman, Josh Jacobs is on the board here. Jacobs is the best running back in this draft class, as he has the skills needed to be a three-down starter at the NFL level. The best part, though, is the fact that Jacobs comes with little wear and tear despite playing for an Alabama program that used to run its feature backs into the ground.

During his Alabama career, Jacobs was only tasked with handling 299 total touches. Last year, he had 120 carries for 640 yards while splitting time with Damien Harris. However, Jacobs was able to total 11 touchdowns on those carries while adding 27 catches and three TDs through the air. He really was a dynamic playmaker and has a nice combination of strength, burst, and receiving skills that will make him impactful at the next level.

Jacobs would take on the Ajayi role in the Eagles’ backfield, and that would allow Corey Clement to slide into his more familiar role as a receiving back. Meanwhile, Josh Adams would be the primary backup runner, so this backfield approach would more closely mimic the attack the team had during their run to the Super Bowl in 2017.