Quote:
Originally Posted by Rain Man
Again, you're making a different argument. None of us are saying that a franchise quarterback isn't more valuable than a franchise running back. Joe Montana and Steve Young also won championships without elite running backs. It's a given that a Hall of Fame quarterback can carry a team. The question is whether a 4th-round running back is just as effective as a 1st-round running back. The statistics say no.
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No one is saying that 4th rounders are better than 1st rounders. What they are saying is that the drop off in talent between a 1st round d-lineman, o-tackle, or wide receiver, and a 4th rounder is precipitous. With running backs, it's scant.
If you were to look at the 12 best running backs in the game today, you'd find a much higher percentage of non-first rounders than any other high-value position on the field.
Willie Parker: UD
Frank Gore: 3
Marion Barber: 3
Steven Jackson: 1
AP: 1
LT: 1
Addai: 1
Westbrook: 3
Brandon Jacobs: 4
Marshawn Lynch: 1
Ryan Grant: UD
Clinton Portis: 2
Michael Turner: 5
Matt Forte: 2
Now, look at some WR's:
Marvin Harrison: 1
Braylon Edwards: 1
Calvin Johnson: 1
Randy Moss: 1
Andre Johnson: 1
Larry Fitzgerald: 1
Chad Ocho Cinco: 2
Torry Holt: 1
Plax Burress: 1
Roy Williams: 1
Dwayne Bowe: 1
Santonio Holmes: 1
Anquan Boldin: 2
Greg Jennings: 2
Your anomalies are
Houshmanzadah: 7
Steve Smith: 3
Hines Ward: 3
TO: 3
Colston: 7
Brandon Marshall: 4
Let's move on to Left Tackles--
Joe Thomas: 1
Shawn Andrews: 1
Walter Jones: 1
Chris Samuels: 1
Flozell Adams: 2
Chad Clifton: 2
Marcus McNeill: 2
Anomalies:
Jason Peters: UD
Matt Light: 3
D-Tackles:
Kevin Williams: 1
Tommie Harris: 1
Warren Sapp (retired): 1
Albert Haynesworth: 1
Vince Wilfork: 1
John Henderson: 1
Jamal Williams: 2
Casey Hampton: 1
Kris Jenkins: 2
Anomaly:
Darnell Dockett: 3
Safety:
Polamalu: 1
Bob Sanders: 2
Ed Reed: 1
Brian Dawkins: 2
Ken Hamlin: 2
Sean Taylor: 1
Corner:
Champ Bailey: 1
Cromartie: 1
Terrence Newman: 1
Nnandi Asomaugha: 1
Marcus Trufant: 1
Rashean Mathis: 2
Asante Samuel: 4
Now, at what positions would you get the most relative value if you are looking for impact players? Also consider that corners, tackles, interior lineman, and wide receivers will all have long-lasting careers because they don't absorb near the punishment that running backs do.