In 1999, running backs went fourth and fifth in the draft when Edgerrin James was picked by the Indianapolis Colts and Ricky Williams went to the New Orleans Saints after trading up. Jamal Lewis and Thomas Jones went fifth and seventh the next year in 2000 before LaDainian Tomlinson went to the Chargers at No. 5 in 2001.
This is when the market correction for selecting running backs high in the draft began as there have been just 14 top-10 picks on running backs since 2002.
This year, Boise State\\\'s Aston Jeanty is expected to be the top running back selected, but he may go outside the top-10. Being him are the likes of Iowa\\\'s Kaleb Johnson, North Carolina\\\'s Omarion Hampton, Ohio State\\\'s TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins. Arizona State\\\'s Cam Skattebo headlines the tier behind that group.
Running Backs Picked In Top-10 Of NFL Draft Since 2002
- Bijan Robinson (2023) - 8th overall, Atlanta Falcons
- Saquon Barkley (2018) - 2nd overall, New York Giants
- Leonard Fournette (2017) - 4th overall, Jacksonville Jaguars
- Christian McCaffrey (2017) - 8th overall, Carolina Panthers
- Ezekiel Elliott (2016) - 4th overall, Dallas Cowboys
- Todd Gurley (2015) - 10th overall, St. Louis Rams
- Trent Richardson (2012) - 3rd overall, Cleveland Browns
- C.J. Spiller (2010) - 9th overall, Buffalo Bills
- Darren McFadden (2008) - 4th overall, Oakland Raiders
- Adrian Peterson (2007) - 7th overall, Minnesota Vikings
- Reggie Bush (2006) - 2nd overall, New Orleans Saints
- Ronnie Brown (2005) - 2nd overall, Miami Dolphins
- Cedric Benson (2005) - 4th overall, Chicago Bears
- Cadillac Williams (2005) - 5th overall, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
