Rookie Running Back Class of 2014 Showing Quality & Quantity

Sep 21, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals free safety

(22) attempts to tackle San Francisco 49ers running back

(28) at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Running back has quickly become the NFL’s disposable position.  Teams are now staying clear of selecting RB’s early in the first round, and instead have begun to wait until later in the draft, or perhaps even after the draft has ended, to fill their backfield with bargains.

Zac Stacy is the perfect case study for this change in philosophy.  A 5th Round selection in 2013, Stacy seized the Rams’ starting job early in the season, rushing for 973 yards while adding 141 yards in the receiving game.  Zac Stacy entered 2014 as the Rams #1 back, but this past Sunday, he did not touch the football once.  Instead, Tre Mason led the Rams backfield in carries.  A rookie.

With Bishop Sankey as the first running back selected with the 54th pick overall, the times are changing in the NFL.  Does this represent a decrease in the actual quality of the running backs, though?

2014’s crop of running backs has flown under the radar, but there are over 10 rookie runners who could have an impact in the NFL this season and beyond.  Not just as disposable role players, but as impact starters in the NFL.

Today on NFL Spin Zone, I’ll take a look at how these running backs got here, and where they could be going.  Let us know who you think is destined for the best career, and who you think could be replaced by another rookie next offseason.