What Exactly Is A Third-Down Back? An Analysis of Brandon Jackson

September 1, 2010   ·   Thomas Hobbes   ·   Jump to comments

During the NFL draft, one of the players I secretly wished the Packers would select was Dexter McCluster from Ole Miss. 
Obviously, the Packers were desperate for an offensive tackle and could use some more help in the secondary. It was also unlikely that he was the best player available on the Packers board with Koa Misi and Sergio Kindle still available in the second round, but a “luxury” pick such as a McCluster would have been a lot of fun to watch. 
But something funny struck me after McCluster was picked by the Chiefs in the second round with the 36th pick overall; what exactly is a third down back?

Now before people start stating the obvious, let me ask you this from a scheme standpoint: Why ask a player who excels at running the football to be a supporting player in the passing game? 
In the case of Dexter McCluster, who is being considered the “prototypical” modern day 3rd down back, why draft a player who lacks the ...

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