Running backs are no longer the main attraction at the NFL Draft; instead, quarterbacks, pass rushers, and pass blocks now dominate the top picks each year as a result of the league’s turn to more throwing.
After a season in which game-changing backs like Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry emerged as the greatest free-agent hits, one of the strongest classes of running backs in years may have the makings for a little adjustment this year.
Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta stated at the “I grew up a Cowboys fan — Tony Dorsett, Emmitt Smith, guys like that were my idols” event that running back was likely the most significant position on the field when he was a child.
“I think (running backs) are looked at as probably replaceable by some people, but if you have a great one, you’ve got a historic one, you just can’t replace those guys.”
The key issue going into Thursday’s selection is whether clubs believe that backs like Omarion Hampton of North Carolina and Ashton Jeanty of Boise State are good enough to be selected with a high choice.
In the final AP mock draft, Jeanty was predicted to go sixth to Las Vegas, the highest running back selection since Barkley was selected by the New York Giants second overall in 2018.
