Josh Jacobs stands out in the NFL not just because of his skill but largely due to his impressive physical attributes that give him an edge over defenders. Let’s dive into the key traits that make him one of the most powerful and elusive running backs today.
Table of Contents
- Size and Strength
- Speed and Agility
- Exceptional Balance
- Running Style and Power
- Reliable Hands and Receiving Ability
- Physical Toughness and Durability
- Football IQ and Field Vision
1. Size and Strength: Compact but Powerful
Josh Jacobs measures 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighs around 220 to 223 pounds, giving him a sturdy build ideal for withstanding NFL-level contact. His compact frame allows for low center of gravity, making it difficult for defenders to knock him off balance.
This combination of height and weight is perfect for a power back who can both push through tackles and maintain explosiveness.
Additionally, Jacobs carries strong arms measuring just over 31 inches, providing him extra reach and strength in collisions.
2. Speed and Agility: Quick Enough to Create Separation
While not the fastest back in the league, Jacobs clocks a 40-yard dash time around 4.60 seconds, which is respectable given his size and power. He pairs this with an impressive broad jump of 112 inches, reflecting explosive lower-body power.
More than raw speed, his agility shines through quick footwork—such as his famous stutter-step move—that allows him to evade tacklers in open field and accelerate past defenders unpredictably.
3. Exceptional Balance: Staying Upright Amid Contact
Phenomenal balance for a bigger running back. He has been seen knocking defenders backward several yards while remaining on his feet.
One of Jacobs’ signature physical attributes is his balance. When lowering his shoulder and lowering his hips to gain yards, he rarely loses his footing.
Even when hit by defenders with high impact, Jacobs keeps his balance and pushes forward, converting tough yards that would otherwise result in tackles or loss of progress.
4. Running Style and Power: A Physical Finisher
Jacobs excels as a downhill runner. He wastes very little time getting through the line of scrimmage by quickly tilting his shoulders and lowering his hips.
His running style is very physical—he is not afraid to collide with linebackers, often lowering his shoulder to clear tackles. This aggressive approach makes him a reliable finisher who can churn out yards after contact.
5. Reliable Hands and Receiving Ability
Unlike many power backs, Jacobs possesses excellent hands for catching passes out of the backfield. He can catch balls comfortably over his shoulder and run routes that allow creative offenses to exploit matchups against linebackers and safeties.
This versatility adds another dimension to his game and makes him a threat not just on the ground but also through the air.
6. Physical Toughness and Durability
Jacobs has shown remarkable toughness throughout his career, playing through injuries and absorbing significant contact without losing effectiveness.
His weight, combined with a strong lower body and excellent balance, contributes to his ability to sustain punishment and remain a consistent, high-impact player every game.
7. Football IQ and Field Vision
While some scouting reports note that Jacobs’ vision is not his strongest attribute, he compensates with patience and quick decision-making. He knows when to accelerate downhill or make subtle moves like stutter-steps to find running lanes.
This instinct, combined with his physical skill set, allows him to maximize his yards per carry and avoid defenders effectively.
Watch Josh Jacobs in Action: Explosive Runs and Power Moves