Why NFL Teams Should (Almost) Never Draft a Running Back in the First Round

Other than quarterback, the most glamorous position in the National Football League is running back. Fans are dazzled by speedy running backs who can dart between holes and rake up 1500-yard rushing seasons like it’s no big deal. Running backs are frequently drafted in the first round, usually two to three per year, and it’s not uncommon at all to see a running back go in the first few picks of the draft, or even number one overall. But why? History has proven that time after time after time, drafting a running back in the first round just doesn’t work out. With the exception of a once-in-a-lifetime college talent like Bo Jackson, Barry Sanders, and Reggie Bush, who you just can’t pass on, I would never draft a running back in the first round. Never. They’re not worth the pick they were drafted at MOST of the time. Want proof? Let’s take a look at some of your recent first round draft picks at running back. Mark Ingram. CJ Spiller. Ryan Math...