RB #6 Josh Jacobs GB

Josh Jacobs once again displayed his ability to be an elite running back. He finished as RB 6 last year and the expectation is for him to do it again. His contract is team friendly, and the Packers have committed to running him often. Jacobs finished 2024 with 719 snaps and 337 touches. 301 of those touches were rushing attempts. He finished with 1,329 rushing yards, 73 first downs, 36 receptions, 342 receiving yards, and 16 total touchdowns. A fantastic season by any metric.

The Green Bay Packers drafted an elite wide receiver in the first round, and hope to have a healthy Jordan Love for 21 games. That could negatively impact Jacobs receiving yards, but the Packers are expected to have several positive game scripts. Which would lead to more rushing attempts to close out games, and lighter boxes to respect the run. 16 touchdowns is almost one a game, but he can exceed last year’s total. Jacobs’ ADP is currently RB #10 and 21st overall. He’s going late at running back, but still going before the third round in most leagues. Grab him before the fourth round, and know Jacobs will be a workhorse once again.

LB #6 Zack Baun PHI

Zack Baun had a career year, and an experience of a lifetime. He went from 88 career combined tackles in four years to recording 151 last year. He went from fours years with the New Orleans Saints who only won one playoff game (Drew Brees’ last victory). To a team that dominated the playoffs, accumulating in a Super Bowl victory. That’s why coaching and scheme are important, and why it’s important to know them. Philadelphia Eagles’ Vic Fangio is considered one of the best of all-time. He took a guy who averaged 22 tackles per season, and made him a first team All-Pro, Super Bowl winner.

Baun isn’t finished either. The Eagles are poised for another title run and Baun is the leader of the defense. He wears the all important “green dot” and stays in direct contact with Fangio. He lost a defensive tackle in Milton Williams who had five sacks and was a “gap stuffer”. The reality is their defense and offense are set to play with a positive game script. That means opportunities for big plays, and Baun had 5 forced fumbles, 4 passes defended, 3.5 sacks, 1 interception, and 1 fumble recovery in addition to 150+ tackles. Do not hesitate to make Baun the first IDP selected, he is that good.

Come back tomorrow as we break down RB and LB #5. Subscribe to The Sports Affiliation for this and other articles sent directly to your email.

– Bet Smart, Be Lucky – Iggy