Josh Jacobs
RB, Alabama · 2019 NFL Draft, Round 1, pick #24 (OAK)
Why he was overlooked Patterns
Signals in our data that pointed to him being undervalued: age, availability. Details below.
- Age
21 years old at the draft (nflverse).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 56.6% of the time (663 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Availability
Played 105 of ~117 possible regular-season games from 2019 through 2025 (~90%).
- Pre-draft rankings
ESPN's pre-draft board ranked him #23 (#1 at his position), close to where he went (#24). The whole market, not just his team, missed on him.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.6% of the time (2,104 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- School
Alabama: a Power-conference school (our conference list).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.3% of the time (4,181 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Combine
Invited to the Combine but no 40 time on record (skipped or injured).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.6% of the time (4,704 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Position
RB (RB group).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 46.1% of the time (501 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
Every line comes from data: nflverse draft, combine and career data; ESPN's pre-draft ranks. No scouting reports or quotes. Green = pointed toward a steal for him.
Career numberslive
| Games | 105 |
| Seasons as primary starter | 7 |
| Pro Bowls | 3 |
| First-team All-Pro | 1 |
| Career wAV (Pro Football Reference) | 57 |
| 2026 in-season credit (est.) | 0.2 |
| Redraft value (wAV + 2026) | 57.2 |
| Rushing | 1840 att, 7,803 yds, 74 TD |
| Receiving | 269 rec, 2,072 yds, 2 TD |
| Defense | 3 tackles, 0 sacks, 0 INT |
| Last NFL season | 2025 |
Career wAV via nflverse draft_picks + 2026 in-season credit from snap counts through Week 7.
The 2019 class: draft pick vs. redraft rank Full redraft
Each dot is a 2019 pick. Dashed line = typical redraft rank for each slot (2000–2021 classes). Above the line = beat his slot.
How players like him did
| Age 21 or younger | 56.6% n=663 | |
| Pre-draft rankings Within a round of ESPN's rank | 50.6% n=2,104 | |
| School Power-conference school | 50.3% n=4,181 | |
| Combine Invited to the Combine | 50.6% n=4,704 | |
| Position RB | 46.1% n=501 |
Share of 2000–2021 picks with the same trait who beat their draft slot. Line = 50%.
Measurables & pre-draft
| Height / weight | 5' 10", 220 lbs |
| Arm / hand | 32" / 10.13" |
| Age at draft | 21 |
| ESPN pre-draft rank | #23 overall (#1 RB) |
Picked around him 2019 redraft
| 21 | Darnell Savage Jr. | redraft #69 |
| 22 | Andre Dillard | redraft #111 |
| 23 | Tytus Howard | redraft #36 |
| 25 | Marquise Brown | redraft #34 |
| 26 | Montez Sweat | redraft #19 |
| 27 | Johnathan Abram | redraft #106 |
How verdicts and reasons are computed: methodology. Steal / bust = 32+ spots better / worse than the typical redraft rank for the slot.