NFL Draft Shock: What Happens If No Running Backs Are Picked on Night 2? You Won't Believe the Fallout!

As anticipation builds for Friday night’s draft, the discussion around running backs is heating up among analysts. Notably, hosts Nate Tice, Andrew Siciliano, Matt Harmon, and Charles McDonald from Yahoo Sports shared their thoughts on the upcoming picks during an episode of “Football 301.” With the clock ticking down, an intriguing bold prediction emerged: there could be no running backs selected in the first two rounds this year.

“I think this is live,” Tice boldly stated, indicating that the possibility of no running backs going off the board is more than just a whimsical thought. With a lot of picks to be made, the under-over for running backs is set at just one and a half. This figure highlights the changing landscape of the NFL draft, especially when compared to previous years where running backs were routinely selected in the early rounds.

Last year alone saw two running backs, Christian McCaffrey and TreVeyon Henderson, taken in the top 25 picks. In total, four running backs were selected in the second round, which is a significant number compared to the current year's predictions. The experts discussed how the exhaustive scouting process for running backs last year was notably different, with Tice remarking, “Scouting running backs last year was exhausting.”

In examining the current draft class, Tice noted that this year’s pool lacks the standout talent that previous classes boasted. “I was going through this year's class and I scoured, 'Who's my guy gonna be?'” he said, revealing a sense of uncertainty among analysts about who could emerge as a top pick. The general consensus among the analysts is that many players in this year’s draft are viewed as “fine,” but there’s a notable lack of enthusiasm compared to prior years. “You have to squint to find the sure-fire picks,” Tice added.

When trying to pair potential running backs with teams, the analysts found limited opportunities. For example, the Seattle Seahawks recently filled their need by selecting Jahdarian Price, leaving them with limited room for additional backs. Other teams like Minnesota and Denver may be looking to add depth, but the strong sense is that many teams might opt to delay selecting a running back until later rounds, potentially pushing that need to round four. With fewer immediate starting opportunities available, teams may decide to prioritize other positions before considering running backs.

“This is a big thought in this whole draft class: I’m not dying on any hills,” Tice asserted, suggesting a more cautious approach to predictions surrounding this year’s running backs. The analysts reflected on the variability of running back talent from year to year, noting that last year's class had clear top-tier players, while this year feels more ambiguous. “Last year was the year to get a running back,” Tice concluded, emphasizing the unique dynamics of the current draft.

As the NFL continues to evolve, the role and valuation of running backs seem to be shifting in real-time. Fans and teams alike will be watching closely to see how this trend unfolds on Friday night. For those looking to get the full context and lively discussions around the draft, the conversation on “Football 301” can be accessed on platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.