Undervaluing of RB position could make Texas star a draft steal

Over the past 15 years the running back position in the NFL has been devalued so much that it is almost unheard of take one early in the draft. And when one is taken, the move is usually harshly criticized for over-drafting a non-premium position.

That belief could result in a team in the middle or back end of the first round getting a steal in Texas' Bijan Robinson in the 2023 class. 

Not only is Robinson an electrifying runner, but he also has the versatility to impact the game in multiple ways as a runner, pass-catcher and even a blocker. Robinson sees that versatility as a major strength. 

"First of all, I feel like if you're a guy who can do all three for your offense, I think that's a very special quality for a player,'' Robinson said Saturday at the NFL combine, via ESPN. 

"You line a player up at receiver, at slot or, obviously, at running back. Just creating mismatches all over the field and being able to create space for yourself...that's a high value everybody should look at.''

Running back has been devalued for two reasons. The first is that it is the position with the shortest average career in the NFL. Players burn out fast due to the wear and tear of the position, so you are not getting an extensive peak out of that player even if you hit on the pick. The second is that it is almost entirely a team dependent position. If you have a good offensive line and a good passing game, chances are your running back is going to succeed no matter where you picked them. In that instance it can be easier and more sensible to find a player later in the draft and plug them into the offense. 

In terms of pure talent and collegiate production, Robinson is probably one of the best players in the draft but will still almost certainly be available in the middle, or perhaps even back end of the first round. A team that is already set in a lot of places could snatch him up and use him in a Christian McCaffrey type of role and get a superstar to make their offense even more dynamic.