More Sizing Up:  Quarterbacks  |  Running Backs  |  Wide Receivers

Running backs are one of the most dynamic positions in terms of the number of players coming in and going out every year. Fresh legs and sound knees are hard to keep for more than a half dozen years and there is always a wealth of productive backs in the draft. Where a player goes is very important because locked behind a stud means you may never have any real chance of an NFL career. You could be a complete scrub but if you land on a team with a great offensive line and no other running back, then you run to the hole and fall forward for four yards. Add in some touchdowns and fantasy football loves you.

Height – The average height for a back is always around 5’10” for many years. Interesting that two of the three most productive backs were both 6’1″ and raised what would have been a shorter crew than usual. Not much variation here really.

Weight – This is where backs have been getting lighter overall. Eight years ago, it was 223 pounds on average with only one under 214 pounds. Not only were only two runners over that 223 pound average from 2005, but Chris Johnson barely missed the top ten and he’s only 191 pounds. Weight is getting lower as backfields continue to become committees of specialists.

Age – You would naturally expect youth to rule here and the same 26 year average existed five years ago. Frank Gore managed to sneak in the top ten just barely. There is a youth movement in play thanks to such a productive trio of rookie runners. Eight years back, the average age was 28 because teams were more likely to have the one central back who played until he was too older to go. Guys like Tiki Barber, Curtis Martin, Corey Dillon, Priest Holmes, etc. Older runners just do not get to take the reins by themselves anymore. Youth be served though rookies had not mattered for a long time before last year. It was more the second and third year players entering the top echelon. Now – you better be very good if you top five years of playing.

Rookies

Giovani Bernard was the first back drafted but is young and the smallest player taken until the sixth round when some camp special teamers are taken. Interesting that both Le’Veon Bell and Eddie Lacy come in as workhorse backs in college and are much more in the vein of ten years back when big backs were more the rule than exception. That size helps at the goal line but can work against them when they go for a second contract since they were worked so heavily in college anyway. Montee Ball is almost perfectly the prototype for a back in terms of size these days. As with all rookie runners, it is 90% about what their opportunity is and less about any small difference they may have against other backs. The Packers are not certain yet what they will be doing in their crowded backfield but the drafting of both Lacy and Johnathan Franklin looks like Jim Taylor and Paul Hornung on paper.

2013 Possible Starters

Running Backs Sorted

More Sizing Up:  Quarterbacks  |  Running Backs  |  Wide Receivers

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