Most Running Backs Taken In First Round of the NFL Draft

As any NFL fan can tell you, modern running backs have suffered a reduced role in recent years. 

That deemphasis has bled through to front offices, which are increasingly reluctant to use major draft capital on workhorse backs. 

Every once in a while, an epic class of running backs emerge from college football, tantalizing fans with visions of what they could soon look like in the professional league. 

Even still, it’s virtually unheard of for running backs to dominate the first round of the NFL Draft the way they once did in the 20th century.

Most Running Backs Taken In the First Round of the NFL Draft

Seven running backs were drafted in the first round of the NFL Draft on four separate occasions, all of which happened before 1990.

The years were 1987, 1982, 1971, and 1967.

While those four years featured the highest volume of first-round draftees, other drafts from nearby years were arguably more famous for their top-end talent. 

For instance, the draft one year after ’82 yielded Rams record-breaker Eric Dickerson. The draft one year prior to 1987 featured Bo Jackson at No. 1 overall.

Most Running Backs Taken In First Round Since 2000

Since the year 2000, no NFL Draft has featured more than five running backs in the first round. Even that number has only happened twice – 2000 and 2008. 

In 2000, the biggest first-round name was likely Seahawks pick Shaun Alexander, who went on to win the 2005 NFL MVP. 

The 2008 group was one of the best running back draft classes in NFL history, featuring Darren McFadden (No. 4), Jonathan Stewart (No. 13), Felix Jones (No. 22), Rashard Mendenhall (No. 23), and Chris Johnson (No. 24). 

As if that wasn’t enough, the second day of the draft also included Matt Forte, Ray Rice, Jamaal Charles, and Steve Slaton.