There was a time when the running back position was considered highly valuable in the world of pro football. In the 1970s-1980s, a running back was the No. 1 overall selection in the NFL draft four times in a five-year stretch. Ricky Bell went first to the Buccaneers in 1977 (Tony Dorsett went second to the Cowboys), the Oilers took Earl Campbell first in 1978, Billy Sims went first in the 1980 draft to the Lions, and George Rogers went to the Saints atop the 1981 draft (Freeman McNeil went third overall to the Jets).
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Nowadays, a running back going first overall is about as rare as a happy Jets fan.
