Michael Conroy/Associated Press

Alabama's Josh Jacobs is reportedly set to be the top running back off the board in this week's NFL draft, with the Oakland Raiders, Philadelphia Eagles and Indianapolis Colts showing interest.

Peter King of NBC Sports unveiled his mock draft Monday, projecting the Raiders to trade up three spots to the No. 21 pick and select Jacobs. He wrote that Jacobs will come off the board in the 20s and slated him as the only running back to have a first-round projection.

The Raiders have spent the offseason revamping their offense at receiver and on the line but still have a hole at running back. They signed Isaiah Crowell after he was released by the New York Jets and could bring back Marshawn Lynch or Doug Martin but lack a difference-maker at the position.

Jacobs has drawn comparisons to Alvin Kamara for his ability to make plays as a runner and receiver.

"I do everything well. You could put me in almost every position on offense, whether it's in the slot or out wide," Jacobs told The MMQB. "I run the ball, I can catch the ball, I can pass protect. And then character, off the field stuff, everything checks out. Teams bring up every [meeting], I played special teams too."



The Eagles traded for Jordan Howard this offseason but are expected to continue targeting running back depth after struggling at the position in 2018. Howard is well-versed in timeshares, having split carries with Tarik Cohen in Chicago.

Colts starting running back Marlon Mack has been solid on the ground through two NFL seasons but hasn't shown much skill in the passing game. Adding Jacobs to the backfield would give the Colts a dynamic they've been lacking for years.

With teams in the 20s having needs at the position and Jacobs clearly ahead of the pack in this class, King's projection of a trade up to land the Alabama product is probably spot-on.