Factoid
The year 1983 has often been called the "Year of the Quarterback," for its draft class that produced several top NFL signal callers. That one draft featured six quarterbacks taken in the first round, and three of them (John Elway, Dan Marino, Jim Kelly) went on to become Hall of Famers.
If we one day refer to a "Year of the Running Back," perhaps it will be 2008. That draft featured five first-rounders, all but one of whom has emerged as an NFL star (the jury is still out on Felix Jones). Nine different runners selected that year have already produced at least one 1,000-yard rushing season. (Those players are listed below in bold.) Kevin Smith missed being the 10th by just 24 yards.
That draft also featured a number of players who might still go on to be productive starters in the league, including mid- to late-rounders Tashard Choice, Justin Forsett, and Ryan Torain. Even Tim Hightower has put up seasons with 10 TDs and 1,000 total yards already. An uncommonly good year for rookie running backs.
Rd Player, team
1 Darren McFadden, Oak.
1 Jonathan Stewart, Car.
1 Felix Jones, Dall.
1 Rashard Mendenhall, Pitt.
1 Chris Johnson, Tenn.
2 Matt Forte, Chi.
2 Ray Rice, Balt.
3 Kevin Smith, Det.
3 Jacob Hester, S.D.
3 Jamaal Charles, K.C.
3 Steve Slaton, Hou.
4 Tashard Choice, Dall.
5 Ryan Torain, Den.
5 Jerome Felton, Det.
5 Tim Hightower, Ariz.
5 Owen Schmitt, Sea.
5 Marcus Thomas, S.D.
6 Thomas Brown, Atl.
6 Jalen Parmele, Mia.
6 Xavier Omon, Buff.
6 Mike Hart, Ind.
6 Lex Hilliard, Mia.
7 Chauncey Washington, Jac.
7 Peyton Hillis, Den.
7 Justin Forsett, Sea.
7 Cory Boyd, T.B.
7 Allen Patrick, Balt.
--Andy Richardson
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