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NFL Draft: Top 5 running backs for Baltimore Ravens to target

By Chris Schisler

ANN ARBOR, MI - OCTOBER 13: Karan Higdon #22 of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates a first half touchdown with Shea Patterson #2 of the Michigan Wolverines while playing the Wisconsin Badgers on October 13, 2018 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MI - OCTOBER 13: Karan Higdon #22 of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates a first half touchdown with Shea Patterson #2 of the Michigan Wolverines while playing the Wisconsin Badgers on October 13, 2018 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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AMES, IA – DECEMBER 1: Running back David Montgomery #32 of the Iowa State Cyclones is tackled by defensive back Sean Lynch #23 of the Drake Bulldogs as quarterback Brock Purdy #15 of the Iowa State Cyclones watches on in the first half of play at Jack Trice Stadium on December 1, 2018 in Ames, Iowa. (Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images)
AMES, IA – DECEMBER 1: Running back David Montgomery #32 of the Iowa State Cyclones is tackled by defensive back Sean Lynch #23 of the Drake Bulldogs as quarterback Brock Purdy #15 of the Iowa State Cyclones watches on in the first half of play at Jack Trice Stadium on December 1, 2018 in Ames, Iowa. (Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images) /
  • This article was updated on 2-11-19

1. David Montgomery (Iowa State)

David Montgomery is the most all around running back in this draft class. He has great vision as a ball-carrier, the power to break tackles and the elusiveness to avoid them all together. He can contribute to the passing game and he is used to being the workhorse of the offense. At Iowa State, the Cyclones gave him the ball early and often. His consistency between his Sophomore and Junior seasons is amazing. In 2017 he had 258 carries for 1,146 yards. In 2018 he had 257 carries for 1,216 yards. Montgomery had 71 career receptions for 582 yards.

Montgomery has a low center of gravity and his feet can do amazing things. He can change directions well, and if he finds a good cutback lane he’s going to get a big run out of it. He has an ability to stop and start that will drive defenses crazy. Montgomery runs powerfully but he isn’t one of those running backs you would classify as a power back. He’s just as good in between the tackles as he is getting around the edge and in the open field.

One thing that I am very impressed with when I watch his tape is that Montgomery is a good pass protector. He is the most complete back in the draft class and it isn’t close. While there are faster running backs and more powerful ones too, Montgomery is the best running back who can do everything at a high level.

1A. Josh Jacobs:

Josh Jacobs is yet another running back from Alabama who has some star power to him. Jacobs was part of an impressive running back by committee grouping with the Crimson Tide. He comes into the NFL Draft without an excessive amount of wear and tear. Montgomery for example had over 250 carries the past two seasons. Jacobs was handed the rock 120 times in 2018 and averaged 5.3 yards per carry. Jacobs is a player that can help the run game, the passing attack and he can even return kicks.

While he is a bit undersized, he has a good bit of power to him. His acceleration is great and when he hits the point of attack with a full head of steam he’s going to make a big play happen. Jacobs seems to have another gear when he is the open field and he can be very elusive. Jacobs is one of the most exciting prospects in the draft and is a real option for Baltimore at pick 22.

The reason Jacobs is a perfect fit for the Ravens is that he offers the same things that Kenneth Dixon and Gus Edwards do, but he’s a better and more explosive player. He’s a running back that would really fit into the offense and help Lamar Jackson in his first full year as a starting quarterback.

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