Making a Case for Drafting a Running Back in the First Three Rounds
In the modern NFL, the value of drafting a running back (RB) early has been a topic of heated debate. With the rise of passing offenses and an increasing reliance on committee-based backfields, many teams have shifted away from prioritizing running backs in the first few rounds of the NFL Draft. However, as the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, there remains a compelling argument for why teams should still consider selecting a running back within the first three rounds. The versatility, playmaking ability, and long-term value a high-quality running back can bring to an offense can be critical for a team looking to build a championship-contending roster.
In this article, we will explore why drafting a running back in the first three rounds is a smart move. We will look at the evolution of the running back position, the value that a top-tier running back can bring to an offense, and how a talented back can be a difference-maker in the current NFL landscape. Ultimately, this article aims to demonstrate that a team looking to improve its chances at success should not dismiss the idea of drafting an elite running back early.
The Changing Landscape of the Running Back Position
Historically, the running back position has been one of the most important positions in football. For decades, teams built their offenses around powerful, workhorse running backs who could carry the ball 25 or more times a game, control the clock, and wear down opposing defenses. Think of legendary players like Jim Brown, Barry Sanders, and Emmitt Smith, all of whom were the focal points of their respective offenses.
However, in recent years, the role of the running back has evolved, and the position has seen a decrease in perceived value. The NFL has increasingly become a passing league, with high-scoring offenses that feature elite quarterbacks and wide receivers. As teams have adopted more pass-heavy schemes, the importance of running backs as primary ball-carriers has diminished. This shift has led to the emergence of running back-by-committee approaches, where teams use multiple backs to split carries and keep players fresh, rather than relying on one player to handle the bulk of the workload.
This trend has caused a significant shift in the way teams view running backs in the draft. While top running backs were once highly coveted first-round selections, recent years have seen the position slip down draft boards. Teams have increasingly chosen to address other areas of need, such as quarterback, offensive line, and wide receiver, in the early rounds, often waiting until later in the draft to select a running back.
However, the truth is that while the running back position has become less of a focal point for many teams, it still holds tremendous value when a team can land a special talent. Players like Saquon Barkley, Christian McCaffrey, Derrick Henry, and Alvin Kamara have proven that when a team has a dynamic, versatile, and game-changing back, it can dramatically elevate the offense. With the right player, the running back position can still be an integral part of an offense’s success.
Why Drafting a Running Back Early Still Makes Sense
While many teams have moved away from using high draft picks on running backs, there are several reasons why selecting one within the first three rounds remains a smart strategy for many franchises.
1. Elite Running Backs Can Be Difference-Makers
One of the most important reasons to draft a running back early is that elite talent at the position can make a significant difference on the field. A top-tier running back has the potential to be a game-changer, capable of taking over a game with explosive plays and a consistent ground attack. Players like Christian McCaffrey, who is a dual-threat as a runner and receiver, can stretch the defense and keep opposing teams off balance. A dynamic running back can take pressure off the quarterback by controlling the tempo of the game and opening up play-action opportunities. Additionally, a bell-cow back who can handle the bulk of the carries and consistently gain positive yards can be the focal point of an offense, particularly in key situations like third downs, short-yardage, and the red zone.
Teams that can rely on a running back to consistently pick up yardage and extend drives are at a significant advantage, especially when the weather turns cold in the winter months or during the playoff stretch. While a committee approach can be effective, there is still something to be said about having a true workhorse back who can take over games when needed. The value of a player who can handle a large volume of touches, keep defenses honest, and break off long runs cannot be overstated.
2. Versatility Adds Unique Value
Modern running backs are no longer just traditional ball-carriers. With the evolution of the position, many elite running backs have become versatile weapons who can contribute in multiple facets of the game. Players like McCaffrey, Kamara, and Austin Ekeler have shown that running backs can be significant contributors in both the running and passing games, making them even more valuable to an offense.
A running back who can excel as both a rusher and a receiver is an invaluable asset. In today’s NFL, where passing offenses dominate, having a running back who can line up in the slot or run routes out of the backfield allows the offense to be more unpredictable and difficult to defend. A dual-threat running back can force defenses to devote resources to both the running game and the passing game, creating mismatches and giving the quarterback more options. These players are not only capable of contributing as traditional ball-carriers but can also be used as an extension of the passing game, creating additional layers to an offense’s play-calling.
By drafting a running back who is capable of impacting both the run and the pass game, a team can expand its offensive playbook and keep defenses on their toes. A player who can break a run for a touchdown while also being a consistent checkdown option in the passing game adds tremendous value and can open up the offense in ways that a typical committee back cannot.
3. Longevity of Running Backs on Rookie Contracts
One of the most compelling arguments for drafting a running back early is the cost-control aspect. Running backs typically have shorter careers in the NFL than other positions, with their prime years often occurring within the first few seasons. By selecting a running back in the early rounds of the draft, a team secures their services on a cost-effective rookie contract for the first four years of their career. This gives the team financial flexibility to allocate resources toward other key positions while still getting elite production from a top-tier back.
Given the high turnover and injury rate at the running back position, drafting a player early on a rookie contract allows the team to maximize the value of that player before they potentially face a decline or the need for a big payday. With teams often hesitant to pay top-dollar contracts to running backs due to the perceived short lifespan of the position, drafting a back early and benefiting from his prime years on a rookie deal can be a significant advantage in building a competitive roster.
4. Running Backs Can Elevate an Offensive Line
While the offensive line is critical to a running back’s success, a talented running back can also help elevate the performance of the offensive line. Running backs who can make defenders miss in the open field, break tackles, and extend plays can mask some of the imperfections in an offensive line. A running back who can consistently gain yardage even when the line doesn’t provide ideal blocking is a valuable asset.
Additionally, a top-tier running back can also make an offensive line look better by creating big plays and forcing opposing defenses to load the box in an effort to stop the run. This can create more favorable passing situations for the quarterback, allowing the offensive line to be more effective in pass protection.
5. Increased Impact in Playoff and Big Games
In the postseason, running backs become even more crucial. When weather conditions become a factor and games are won and lost in the trenches, having a reliable running back is essential. A top-tier back can grind out tough yards in crucial moments, move the chains on third down, and wear down opposing defenses as the game progresses. In the playoffs, where matchups are often tighter and games are more physical, having a running back who can handle a heavy workload and make big plays in clutch moments can be the difference between winning and losing.
Conclusion: The Case for Drafting a Running Back Early
While the NFL landscape has certainly evolved, and the value of running backs has fluctuated in recent years, there are still significant reasons why teams should prioritize drafting a running back in the first three rounds of the draft. Elite running backs who possess versatility, explosiveness, and the ability to impact both the run and passing games can be game-changers for a franchise. These players can carry the workload in the backfield, contribute in the passing game, and provide a stable, reliable foundation for an offense.
Furthermore, drafting a running back early on a rookie contract offers cost control and the ability to maximize the player’s prime years before they hit free agency. With the right running back, a team can become more unpredictable, increase offensive efficiency, and elevate the play of the entire offense. Whether it’s a workhorse back who can grind out the tough yards or a dual-threat weapon who can catch passes out of the backfield, a top-tier running back can be the difference between an average offense and one that can compete for championships.
As we look toward the 2025 NFL Draft, teams should carefully consider the potential impact that a high-quality running back could have on their roster. By drafting a running back in the first three rounds, a team can add a valuable piece to its offense and put itself in a better position to succeed, both in the regular season and beyond.
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