Quote:
Originally Posted by Beemnseven
With a better offensive line, cheaper running backs can thrive. Unless you're talking about Adrian Peterson, you wait until the third round or later to start drafting backs. And you absolutely don't break the bank on a high priced free agent running back.
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This is correct. I'll say this: what the league already realizes about running backs is true about every other position as well. It just happens to be really obvious for a position with a super short shelf life.
I'm saying, you shouldn't necessarily wait until the third round. Most teams already avoid RBs in the top half of the NFL draft, but there's first round running backs, just like first round quarterbacks, and first round cornerbacks, and first round TEs. Running backs have a specific control over the outcome over the game second to only quarterbacks, so it's clearly critical that you have a good one.
Just like any other position, if you can find a "first round" talent in the fourth round, you do it obviously. Where teams tend to screw up is rewarding runners with monster second contracts (LJ, Shaun Alexander) for past performance. It's disloyal to just let them walk after having a great season, but the alternative of dead money to a player who can't produce more than justifies the decision to let an incredibly productive 27 or 28 year old RB walk.