Factoid
Everyone knows about Adrian Peterson and Marshawn Lynch, but which other rookie running backs might emerge this season? After those two runners were taken in the top dozen picks in April’s NFL draft, the next four went in the second round: Kenny Irons, Chris Henry, Brian Leonard and Brandon Jackson.
It was the 11th time since 1978 that four or more runners have been taken in the second round, and if history is any indication, there’s a 70 percent chance that one of those guys will rush for 1,000 yards in his rookie season. In 7 of the 10 previous drafts featuring four or more second-round runners, one of those rookies posted a 1,000-yard campaign. In fact, only once (2001, Anthony Thomas) has a second-rounder rushed for 1,000 yards from a draft class that didn’t feature at least four players selected in the round.
The top rushing seasons by second-round rookies, since 1978, are presented below. As noted, all 1,000-yarders but Thomas came from drafts in which four or more second-round runners were taken.
| Year | Ru Yds | Rec Yds | TDs | Player, Team |
| 2002 | 1,508 | 364 | 17 | Clinton Portis, Den. |
| 1980 | 1,185 | 415 | 12 | Joe Cribbs, Buff. |
| 2001 | 1,183 | 178 | 7 | Anthony Thomas, Chi. |
| 1997 | 1,129 | 259 | 10 | Corey Dillon |
| 1981 | 1,121 | 246 | 3 | Joe Delaney |
| 1988 | 1,066 | 199 | 15 | Ickey Woods |
| 1993 | 1,063 | 186 | 3 | Reggie Brooks, Wash. |
| 1994 | 1,011 | 119 | 7 | Errict Rhett, T.B. |
| 2006 | 941 | 436 | 16 | Maurice Jones-Drew, Jac. |
| 1988 | 881 | 208 | 2 | Thurman Thomas, Buff. |
| 1981 | 873 | 232 | 7 | Tony Collins, N.E. |
| 2004 | 819 | 107 | 7 | Julius Jones, Dall. |
| 2001 | 729 | 179 | 4 | Travis Henry, Buff. |
| 1983 | 725 | 427 | 12 | Roger Craig, S.F. |
| 1993 | 711 | 189 | 0 | Roosevelt Potts, Ind. |
| 1981 | 711 | 6 | 8 | Andra Franklin, Mia. |
| 1986 | 688 | 219 | 3 | Garry James, Det. |
| 1987 | 660 | 169 | 3 | Christian Okoye, K.C. |
| 1993 | 645 | 59 | 8 | Natrone Means, S.D. |
| 1994 | 579 | 62 | 6 | Mario Bates, N.O. |
| 1999 | 558 | 100 | 4 | James Johnson, Mia. |
| 1986 | 519 | 142 | 1 | Kenneth Davis, G.B. |
| 1997 | 511 | 299 | 4 | Tiki Barber, NYG |
| 1990 | 480 | 299 | 2 | Reggie Cobb, T.B. |
| 1988 | 467 | 23 | 8 | Lars Tate, T.B. |
| 1986 | 425 | 107 | 5 | Dalton Hilliard, N.O. |
| 1994 | 399 | 74 | 3 | Charlie Garner |
| 2004 | 396 | 80 | 3 | Tatum Bell, Den. |
| 1989 | 391 | 44 | 3 | Eric Ball, Cin. |
Source: FANTASY FOOTBALL INDEX research
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