The first round of the NFL Draft was all about offensive players. And given the ongoing saga, it was fitting that running backs were left out of the game.
There were 23 offensive players taken in the first round on Thursday night, four more than in any other draft in the regular era. And none of them walked back.
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A running back finally heard his name called Friday. The Carolina Panthers really wanted Jonathon Brooks, as they traded up to draft him with the 46th pick.
Many expected Brooks to go to the Dallas Cowboys, but the Panthers beat the Cowboys and everyone else. The Panthers sent the 52nd pick and two fifth-round picks to the Indianapolis Colts to move up and select Brooks.
Still, it was a long wait to hear a running back’s name called. According to ESPN, it was the second-longest wait for the first running back to be drafted in the regular era of the draft. We’ve all heard many times by now that running backs are devalued in this NFL. The start of this year’s draft didn’t change that perception.
A mediocre running back class
There’s a little more to the running back drought in this year’s draft than the devaluation of running backs. This was not a particularly good class at this position.
While there were six quarterbacks to go in the top twelve, seven receivers in the first round, nine offensive linemen on Thursday night and one tight end as well, no one in this year’s running back class was a clear first-round pick.
Brooks, from Texas, might have been a first-round consideration, but he tore his ACL in November. Florida State’s Trey Brooks has some skills as a runner, but isn’t considered a top receiver, and that’s a big consideration in this NFL. Michigan’s Blake Corum was a good college player, but doesn’t have much upside as an NFL prospect.
First-round running backs have become rarer over the years, and that has played a role in the long wait for running backs in this year’s draft. But there also wasn’t a running back, like Bijan Robinson last year, who forced himself to be considered as a Day 1 pick.
Brooks was the top prospect, even with an injury. The Panthers hope he can help take the pressure off quarterback Bryce Young.
