Just showed a thing on ESPN about the merits of drafting running backs in the first round. Bill Polian's first round RBs: Donald Brown Joseph Addai Edgerrin James Tim Biakabutuka Ronnie Harmon Always bothered me that when discussing who was the best at working the draft Robert Kraft from the Patriots and Bill Polian were always mentioned. Polian made one correct decision with Manning that bailed out most of the shitty offensive players he drafted. And even then, he almost blew that one by going with Ryan Leaf.
Edge was plenty good enough to warrant a first round pick. Addai, maybe. The others no way. Then look at the numerous first round defenders that sucked. He gets credit for drafting receivers and tight ends late that Peyton turns into producers. He is as overrated a GM as there ever was.
Keep in mind Addai and Brown were at the tail end of the first. Edge was a good pick and I would say Addai was a hit, not a star or bust. I just wouldn't spend a first round pick on a RB, no matter how great.
I could see doing it with a guy like Richardson if it's the one thing you're missing. He's going to have 4 or 5 seasons of being a bad mother[uck fay]er in the league. I would do it, but rarely.
If he's elite like Richardson or Peterson, it's worth it. If they're not a top ten overall guy it seems like you can just as much value with a second or third round guy.
I've been impressed with Polian in his role as analyst. He sounds like he knows what he is doing. Also, Biakabutuka might have been a solid pro had he not been so injury prone.
only if your oline is already bad ass. i'd much rather get a stud olineman and take my chances of getting a decent rb in later rounds.
Agreed. Good RB's are plentiful, and look great with an awesome O-line. No awesome O-line, and any RB will struggle.
