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Second-Round Running Backs

Posted Jun. 14 at 02:43 AM

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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