Saquon Barkley and the Great Moneyball Running Back Debate

Running backs are not as valued by the NFL, particularly in the draft, as they were 20 to 30 years ago. There are a variety of reasons: RBs have short careers, teams are now more pass-oriented, two- to three-back committees are often more effective and affordable than the one-man workhorse model, and so on.nfl authentic jerseys cheap

But recent seasons have seen an uptick in early draft selections for running backs like Todd Gurley and Ezekiel Elliott. Is that a trend that bodes well for Penn State’s Saquon Barkley—arguably the best pure prospect in this draft class—and the deep pool of running backs behind him?nfl jersey wholesale

The answer is “yes and no.”

Chase Stuart’s research at FootballPerspective.com reveals that teams are categorically not investing any more draft capital in running best nfl jerseys backs than they did during the dark days of the mid-2010s, when first-round running backs nearly went extinct.

While the recent successes of Gurley and Elliott—and a 2011 rookie wage scale that prevents teams from signing rookies to Reggie Bush-sized cap-buster contracts—should buoy Barkley in the top 10 selections, lots of successful, popular college running backs will still have to wait until Day 3 to hear their names called. There were 30 running backs or fullbacks selected last year and 22 of them left the board in the fourth round or later.nfl jersey for cheap

Running back talent is plentiful, both in this class and the NFL. Increased supply and steady demand leads to lower prices, nfl jerseys cheap authentic or draft slots. It’s basic economics.

Moneyball-minded teams will frustrate fans and fantasy gamers next week by drafting cornerbacks and defensive linemen early and then bargain-hunting for running backs on Saturday afternoon. History tells us that tactic will be worth it in the long run.