NFL Running Back draft class the best in 25 years

"In my 25 years in this industry, this is the best running back group top to bottom that I've ever seen."

If your NFL team is in the market for a running back, Todd McShay's evaluation of this year's draft class should be music to your ears. He joined Urban Meyer, Mark Ingram II, and Rob Stone on this week's episode of "The Triple Option", and while quarterbacks typically dominate the draft spotlight, McShay is all in on the running backs this year. And it's not just the top prospects.

"(Ashton) Jeanty and Omarion Hampton from North Carolina, they’re legitimate first-round talents, regardless of the year," McShay said. "TreVeyon Henderson might not be your bell-cow back, but like Jahmyr Gibbs, look at his value in Detroit. You have a clear vision of what TreVeyon can be. I just love (Quinshon) Judkins—his run style, his acceleration, all those things."

Beyond those top names, McShay also sees plenty of talent further down the draft board. He mentions potential third- and fourth-rounders who could make a difference, including Iowa’s Kaleb Johnson, Cam Skattebo from Arizona State, RJ Harvey, DJ Giddens, and others. It’s not just the depth of talent in this class that has McShay excited about the future of the position; it’s also the evolution of the NFL game. Teams like the Philadelphia Eagles with Saquon Barkley have shown just how valuable the running back position can be on the road to a Super Bowl win.

"NFL teams now are facing cover-two defenses with two-high safeties, which makes it really difficult for quarterbacks and offenses to push the ball vertically," McShay explained. "You’ve got to be able to run the football."

So, what does this mean for April 24th?

"Suddenly, we’ve got this generational running back class—maybe the best in NFL history," McShay said. "I think teams will be more inclined than ever to take advantage of that."

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