STRENGTHS
Jake has the type of talent and running back skills, similar to former Broncos/Texans Philip Lindsay but Jake is bigger. If you don’t tackle Jake, before he hits the line of scrimmage you won’t catch him for another 20 or 30 yards down the field. He has excellent quickness to reach his top-end speed within the first 10 yards and that is very unusual. Jake has solid vision and solid balance but what he brings to the next level is that ability to play bigger than his size because of his lower body strength and pad level. He is smart and shows leadership skills through his play on the field at running back and on the cover units on special teams. Jake can catch the ball out of the backfield as well as any running back in this draft and although he is not that elusive in the open field his opponents better bring their big boy pants to tackle him in the open field. Jake is not a change-up running back, he has the potential (even at his size) to be a starting running back and a fan favorite for the team that selects him. He’s a sleeper for sure because Jake, has more than just talent, to play at the next level.
CONCERNS
He is fast and quick but he is not elusive and you can catch him from behind. He’s the type of football player who is just good.
BOTTOM LINE 2.53
If your looking to add talent to your offense that will impact and is smart and is the type of player who will compete on every play and never let you down, then you should be selecting Jake earlier in this draft. I like Jake’s consistency to show up on every down and do his job. I like Jake’s athletic talent and intelligence to make plays. I like Jake’s ability on film to make opponents think he will be no problem, and we don’t need to game plan for him, and then once the game starts, after the first play, know right away the mistake they made. Jake has that “Christian McCaffery” type of attention to detail and work ethic. He is not as fast and just maybe, he is not as good at catching the ball down the field as Christian but, he does get up to his top speed as quickly as Christian gets up to his top speed. The difference is in the top speed but not, in the impact and production. Check Rob’s value board as too if…or even what round, Jake could be selected in because right now he is on no one’s radar but mine.
