With The First Pick
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The Reemergence of the Elite Running Back

By Jedidiah Bicker

Jan 2, 2017; Pasadena, CA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Saquon Barkley (26) is defended by USC Trojans linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (42) in the second quarter during the 103rd Rose Bowl at Rose Bowl. USC defeated Penn State 52-49 in the highest scoring game in Rose Bowl history. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2017; Pasadena, CA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Saquon Barkley (26) is defended by USC Trojans linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (42) in the second quarter during the 103rd Rose Bowl at Rose Bowl. USC defeated Penn State 52-49 in the highest scoring game in Rose Bowl history. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 15, 2017; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) runs with the ball against the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Divisional playoff game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 15, 2017; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) runs with the ball against the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Divisional playoff game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /

It has been a few seasons since the Half Back position has been a premium, with innovative new offenses is it time to put a premium on running backs? 

Throughout the 70’s and 80’s, into the 90’s teams put a high grade on the tailback position. In those days teams could either build a team around an elite passer, like Joe Montana, or an elite running back like Walter Payton. In 1995 the Denver Broncos drafted Terrell Davis in the 6th round. Under Mike Shanahan’s offense Davis Became a record breaking rusher. He was named to the Pro-Bowl and All-Pro team three strait years and got Denver over their Superbowl hump.

After Davis, Shanahan Put together a line of top end rushers drafted in the later rounds. Using a one running scheme, allowed less athletic running backs with smarts and good vision emerge. Other teams started following a similar structure. By the late 2000’s  the running back position was no longer a premium. Elite running backs were getting moved to the late first round. Second Running back contracts were lower than most lineman.

Related Story: 2018 NFL Mock Draft

This all started to change a couple seasons ago when the now LA rams took Todd Gurley. It was cemented last season when the Cowboys took Ezekiel Elliot forth overall. Both have been extremely good and have brought life back to the position.

You might ask why all the sudden the running back is now important? Three reasons, one is teams have had difficulty finding a franchise quarterback. With the need still glaring for teams to still be productive, running backs have became more and more important. Two is quarterback development, teams have began to realize that pairing their young signal caller with a top end running back can help his progression giving him more time to develop. and finally the use of the running back position. As offenses become more complex, the running back does as well. Most running backs in today’s game are also split out at receiver, asked to block edge rushers an also asked to execute a lot of screen plays.

Now that you have a idea why your team might draft a big time runner here are a couple tail backs to watch in the upcoming college season.

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