Jeremy Fowler’s collection of coaches, scouts and executives at ESPN ranked Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs as the sixth-best player at the position entering the 2025 season, but a former NFL running back believes Jacobs is a top 5 player.
At NFL.com, former Jacksonville Jaguars star Maurice Jones-Drew ranks starting running backs before every season. Entering 2025, MJD has Jacobs as the fourth-best running back, just behind the NFL’s big three of Saquon Barkley, Derrick Henry and Jahmyr Gibbs.
From MJD: “Jacobs’ addition to the backfield took Green Bay’s offense to another level in 2024, helping the unit rank in the top five in total yards for the first time since 2020. Even after rushing for more than 1,300 yards, Jacobs said he “still left a lot on the table.” He should remain the centerpiece of Matt LaFleur’s offense despite the Packers investing in their passing attack in the first two days of April’s draft (first-round pick Matthew Golden and third-rounder Savion Williams).”
Entering last year, MJD ranked Jacobs at No. 10 overall among starting running backs, so the 2024 season — in which Jacobs produced 1,671 total yards and 16 total touchdowns — provided a big boost.
In comparison to ESPN’s ranking, Jacobs jumped Atlanta’s Bijan Robinson and San Francisco’s Christian McCaffrey to get into the top five.
No matter where he ranks, Jacobs is viewed as a top player at the running back position entering 2025. His first season in Green Bay suggests he’ll once again be an impact player for Matt LaFleur.
In 2024, Jacobs ranked sixth in rushing yards (1,329) and total yards (1,671), fourth in rushing touchdowns (15) and fifth in total touchdowns (16).
At Pro Football Focus, Jacobs finished fourth in rushing grade and second in receiving grade among running backs. He forced 79 missed tackles, the third most, and created 34 runs of 10 or more yards, ranking fourth. Jacobs was also one of three running backs to create over 1,000 yards after first contact.
Running back play can be a little sporadic year over year, but Jacobs has been remarkably consistent during his NFL career, producing at least 1,000 total yards in each of his six seasons. And he’s coming off a season in which he battled through a few injuries but still played in all 17 games and handled over 300 touches.
Jones-Drew, who played nine NFL seasons, made three All-Pro teams and led the NFL in rushing in 2011.
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Former NFL RB MJD ranks Josh Jacobs as top-5 starting RB entering 2025
Reporting by Zach Kruse, Packers Wire / Packers Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
