2016 NFL Draft: Recent History Proves Running Backs Should Be Taken Early

January 8, 2016   ·   Luke Easterling   ·   Jump to comments

When the NFL draft rolls around every year, we hear the lines repeated with mind-numbing frequency.
"The running back position is devalued in today's NFL."
"You don't need to waste a first-round pick on a running back."
"You can get the same kind of production out of a mid-round pick at running back."
More and more NFL teams have been moving from the "featured back" model to the committee approach in recent years—only seven backs topped 1,000 yards rushing in 2015, the fewest since 1991—but does that mean they're better off waiting until the later rounds to address the position? Should teams pass on a potentially dynamic talent and get better value deeper in the draft?
The well-documented failures of recent high draft picks like Trent Richardson have led many to believe running backs aren't worth a top pick. But while there have been quite a few busts at the position near the top of the draft, recent history tells us that the majority of the NFL's t...

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