During his media session at this years NFL combine, Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty was questioned repeatedly about his role in an evolving NFL landscape. As one of the top prospects heading into the draft, Jeanty finds himself at the center of discussions regarding the value of running backs in modern offenses.

Last season, Saquon Barkley showcased just how impactful a running back can be, playing a pivotal role in leading the Philadelphia Eagles to a Super Bowl victory. Similarly, Jeanty had an extraordinary collegiate season, becoming the first running back to be named a Heisman Trophy finalist since Stanford's Bryce Love in 2017, while also helping guide the Broncos to the College Football Playoff.

Its a great time to be coming into this league, Jeanty remarked during the combine in February. I can see the value of running backs is definitely going to go back up. Definitely coming back in at a perfect time. His optimism is echoed by the current trajectory of the NFL, where the demand for versatile, dynamic running backs is resurging.

This year also marks a significant milestone in the draft history of running backs, as it celebrates the 30th anniversary since the Cincinnati Bengals made Ki-Jana Carter the first overall pick in 1995. However, it appears that this tradition of selecting running backs at the top of the draft is not expected to change immediately. Predictions indicate that former University of Miami quarterback Cam Ward is likely to be the first-overall pick, heading to the Tennessee Titans. Still, could this signify a potential shift in the perception of running backs as teams increasingly recognize their crucial role in the offense?

Jeanty, along with other running backs in this draft class, will illustrate the position's lasting value, particularly as more NFL teams pivot towards explosive rushing attacks. ESPNs renowned draft analyst, Mel Kiper Jr., has projected Jeanty will be selected sixth overall, with fellow running back Omarion Hampton from North Carolina expected at twelfth, while three additional running backs are also anticipated to join them in the second round. This is a notable contrast to the previous year, where only one running back, Jonathon Brooks, was picked in the first two rounds, ending up with the Carolina Panthers at No. 46 overall.

If you have a special, X factor player at the position, it can really enhance your offense, Jeanty noted, highlighting the importance of dynamic, game-changing running backs.

The impact of players like Barkley and Derrick Henry of the Baltimore Ravens has been undeniable. Together, they amassed a staggering 3,926 rushing yards, the highest combined total by the leagues top two rushers since 2005, according to ESPN Research. Barkleys exemplary performance earned him the NFLs Offensive Player of the Year award, marking a rare occurrence where running backs secured the accolade in consecutive years, with Christian McCaffrey winning it the previous season.

However, despite these standout performances, a team would need to encounter a perfect storm involving a weak quarterback, wide receiver, and edge rusher class for a running back to be chosen first overall again. Bengals director of player personnel Duke Tobin candidly stated, If Walter Payton were in this draft, I might think about taking him No. 1 overall. But our games changed a lot. So youd have to be pretty special.

The significance of running backs has shifted over the decades. In 1995, a remarkable nine running backs recorded 300 or more rushing attempts in a single season, whereas in 2023, none reached that milestone, indicative of a broader transformation in how teams structure their backfields. The rise of two-back systems is also notable, with five teams featuring multiple running backs with 150 carries or more last season.

Amidst these changes, the approach to the draft has mirrored this evolution. Since 1996, the positions most commonly selected within the top ten of the draft have predominantly revolved around the passing gamequarterbacks, offensive tackles, wide receivers, defensive ends, and defensive backs. Over this span, offensive tackles have been drafted nearly double the number of times as running backs, with only 23 selected in the top ten.

Packers coach Matt LaFleur pointed out that there tends to be more runners [in the draft] than maybe some of those other positions, attributing part of the delay in drafting running backs to the sheer volume available compared to other coveted positions.

The tide did not wait long in 2018 when the Cleveland Browns, despite their struggles with quarterback play, considered drafting Barkley first overall. Instead, they opted for Baker Mayfield, leaving Barkley to be picked second by the New York Giants, where he quickly proved his worth by winning the Offensive Rookie of the Year award. His significant contributions helped him achieve a remarkable 2,005 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns last season, further reinforcing the potential that elite running backs bring to their teams.

During his outstanding 2023 season, Jeanty recorded 43 receptions for 569 yards and five touchdowns. Although these numbers saw a decline in the subsequent year, Jeanty is acutely aware of the evolving demands placed on running backs entering the NFL. You see the way the game is trending, he shared in 2023. The backs that are ranked high in terms of the NFL, getting paid more, thats the goal obviously, theyre able to catch the ball out of the backfield. The really good ones are able to line up in the slot, too, and run routes.

The value of running backs is exemplified by Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs, who was selected twelfth overall in 2023. Gibbs made a significant impact, recording 33 gains of 15 or more yards, the highest among all players in his position, even as the Lions progressed to the NFC title game. Comparatively, wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown had 34 such gains throughout the season, ranking him third in the league.

Explosive plays are very close to the turnover margin, asserted Carolina Panthers coach Dave Canales. If you can (have a plus-2 margin) in explosives, over the years weve learned that almost equals getting a ball from the opponent. Its really close in percentage in terms of leading to wins. This correlation illustrates why the running back position is regaining traction heading into this years draft.

With the recent success of running backs like Barkley, who played a crucial role in winning the Super Bowl, franchises are beginning to reevaluate the significance of their running game. A few months after the Buffalo Bills selected him as the ninth overall pick in 2010, CJ Spiller sought clarity from Buddy Nix, the Bills general manager at that time, about the rationale behind drafting him so high when the team already boasted talented running backs like Marshawn Lynch and Fred Jackson on the roster. Nixs response was straightforward: always select the best player available.

Reflecting on past instances, Ki-Jana Carter was the last running back taken first overall, after an injury-plagued career that spanned just seven years. Despite the risk associated with high selections, Spiller noted that for a running back to be picked high in the draft, it requires a franchises belief in their potential to be a game-changer. Trust me, all offensive line coaches are not going to want to be in a five-man [pass] protection all game, he explained. And all offensive coordinators and head coaches with an offensive background arent going to want to be throwing quick [passes] all game. Theyre going to want to take some shots down the field.

While the running back position is beginning to see a resurgence in value, it may still be some time before another is chosen first overall. Los Angeles Rams general manager Les Snead aptly summarized this sentiment: Its like hiring a person that can hit home runs versus someone who can play good defense and hit singles. You need both, but you probably get drafted earliermaybe in the first roundif youre that person who can win the offensive scheme and players give that person a crease and he gets 60 [yards] instead of 12.5 or eight. An AFC head coach also noted that elite quarterbacks, wide receivers, and edge rushers remain prioritized over running backs in the current drafting climate.