In recent years, the value of the running-back position has been up for debate. The average length of a running-back's career is 2.57 years (Statista). Obviously, there are outliers to this statistic, such as Adrian Peterson and Frank Gore, who both played at least 15 years in the NFL.
Despite this, many running-backs have a prime that only lasts 3-4 years. For example, players such as Eddie Lacy and Ricky Williams were uber-talented at the position, but had a very short prime. In recent years, running-backs such as Ezekiel Elliott and Nick Chubb have received massive extensions for the position, but have dealt with the injury bug. Due to the amount of talent mixed with the durability concerns, general managers often view RBs as a replaceable position every couple of years.
Take a look at the Kansas City Chiefs, who have won the Super Bowl in back-to-back years with Isaac Pacheco at tailback, who was a 6th round pick in 2022. Last year, only 2 running-backs qualified as workhorse running-backs (Over 80% of snaps), those being Christian McCaffrey and Kyren Williams (RotoWire). Most general managers think that instead of using a draft pick on an injury prone and replaceable position, they may as well draft a QB or Edge, which are widely regarded as the most important positions in the NFL. The shakeup of NFL RBs this offseason is evidence that in recent memory, the halfback position is not valued as high as it should be.
Alex Bailey
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