The Carolina Panthers made a significant move in the NFL draft by trading up to select Texas running back Jonathan Brooks with the 46th pick, ending the long wait for the first running back to be drafted. This marked the second-latest selection for the first running back in NFL draft history, with the only longer wait occurring in 2014 when Bishop Sankey was taken 54th overall by the Tennessee Titans.
In the common draft era since 1967, there has only been one other instance where no running backs were selected in the first round, which happened two years ago when Breece Hall was the first running back off the board at No. 36 to the New York Jets. The reluctance to use premium picks on running backs in recent years can be attributed to the league's emphasis on passing offenses and a shift away from workhorse running backs.
The selection of Brooks could potentially trigger a run on running backs in the second and third rounds of the draft, as several other top prospects are projected to be drafted in those rounds. Despite his talent, Brooks fell in the draft due to an ACL injury he suffered late in the season after an impressive 1,139-yard rushing performance in 11 games.
Last season saw a brief departure from the trend of prioritizing wide receivers over running backs when Atlanta drafted Bijan Robinson eighth overall and Detroit selected Jahmyr Gibbs with the 12th pick, both before any wide receivers were taken. However, this year's draft continued the pattern of wide receivers dominating the first round, with a record-tying seven receivers selected, marking the 13th time in the last 14 drafts that more receivers were chosen in the first round than running backs.
Since the implementation of the rookie wage scale in 2011, there have been 59 receivers selected in the first round compared to only 19 running backs. This shift in draft strategy reflects the evolving nature of NFL offenses, with teams increasingly favoring passing attacks over traditional ground games.
The 2023 NFL season was notable for not having a running back reach 300 carries for the first time since 1990, with Derrick Henry leading the league with 280 carries. This trend underscores the league's transition towards a more pass-oriented approach, as evidenced by the limited number of lucrative long-term contracts awarded to star running backs in recent years.
Overall, the NFL draft continues to reflect the evolving landscape of professional football, with teams adapting their strategies to align with the changing demands of the game.
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