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[quote author=SF_Cardinal_Fan link=topic=16796.msg191995#msg191995 date=1492648452]
For more than a decade the NFL has been under appreciating the running back position. And college programs have followed that trend as well, favoring the passing game..
That last five years of drafts had an average of only one first round running back selection, and those picks were mostly late first round.
But I think if NFL teams make a commitment to the running game, including using their high draft picks on RB's, those teams will recognize the benefit of a balanced offense.

I don't think it is that teams undervalue running backs, it's that it seems harder to predict success in the NFL at the running back position than at other positions. 
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I agree with the idea that it is not so much that teams undervalue running backs (or the running game). My understanding is that much of the reason is the two-part consideration that,
1. very few running backs last long, and
2. the belief that outside of a very few transcendent stars, the success of the run game depends more upon the offensive line (blocking) and QB (adjusting to the proper plays) than upon the differences between a first round and third round RB.

[CTcard]

[quote author=SF_Cardinal_Fan link=topic=16796.msg191995#msg191995 date=1492648452]
For more than a decade the NFL has been under appreciating the running back position. And college programs have followed that trend as well, favoring the passing game..
That last five years of drafts had an average of only one first round running back selection, and those picks were mostly late first round.
But I think if NFL teams make a commitment to the running game, including using their high draft picks on RB's, those teams will recognize the benefit of a balanced offense.

I don't think it is that teams undervalue running backs, it's that it seems harder to predict success in the NFL at the running back position than at other positions. 
[/quote]

I agree with the idea that it is not so much that teams undervalue running backs (or the running game). My understanding is that much of the reason is the two-part consideration that,
1. very few running backs last long, and
2. the belief that outside of a very few transcendent stars, the success of the run game depends more upon the offensive line (blocking) and QB (adjusting to the proper plays) than upon the differences between a first round and third round RB.