1952 NFL Draft: The Golden Era of Running Backs
The 1952 NFL Draft stands as the greatest draft class for running backs in NFL history. With three future Hall of Famers selected in the first round, this draft set the standard for running back talent.
Ollie Matson, drafted by the San Francisco 49ers with the third overall pick, began his NFL career with five consecutive All-Pro seasons. He rushed for a career-high 924 yards in 12 games during the 1956 season, scoring six touchdowns.
Hugh McElhenny, taken by the 49ers at No. 9, played 13 seasons in the league, earning five All-Pro selections and six Pro Bowl appearances. As a rookie, he rushed for 684 yards and six touchdowns.
Frank Gifford, selected by the New York Giants with the 12th pick, had seven consecutive Pro Bowl seasons from 1953 to 1959, earning six All-Pro selections during that span. He was named NFL MVP in 1956 by several organizations.
1957 NFL Draft: Almost as Good as 1952
Five years after the historic 1952 draft, the 1957 NFL Draft nearly matched its predecessor. Three of the top six picks were running backs, with two eventually making it to the Hall of Fame.
Paul Hornung, drafted first overall by the Green Bay Packers, led the NFL in touchdowns in 1960 and was named league MVP the following season. He earned three All-Pro selections and helped the Packers win four NFL championships and one Super Bowl.
Jon Arnett, taken by the Los Angeles Rams with the second pick, began his career with five straight Pro Bowl seasons, earning a pair of All-Pro selections. He finished second in Rookie of the Year voting in 1957.
Jim Brown, arguably the greatest running back in NFL history, was selected by the Cleveland Browns at No. 6. He played nine seasons in the league, leading the NFL in rushing eight times and setting a then-record with 12,312 career rushing yards.
1983 NFL Draft: Hall of Famers and Hidden Gems
While the 1983 NFL Draft is best known for producing quarterbacks like John Elway, Jim Kelly, and Dan Marino, it also featured some exceptional running back talent.
Eric Dickerson, drafted by the Los Angeles Rams with the second overall pick, became one of the most prolific rushers in NFL history. He led the NFL in rushing four times, had eight 1,000-yard seasons, and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1999.
Curt Warner, taken by the Seattle Seahawks with the third pick, was a three-time Pro Bowler and Second-Team All-Pro, rushing for 1,449 yards and 13 touchdowns as a rookie.
Roger Craig, a versatile back taken by the San Francisco 49ers in the second round, had 1,000 yards rushing and receiving in 1985, the first of his four Pro Bowl seasons. He was named AP’s Offensive Player of the Year in 1988.
Other Notable Draft Classes for Running Backs
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1990 NFL Draft:
Emmitt Smith, Rodney Hampton–
2008 NFL Draft:
Darren McFadden, Jonathan Stewart, Felix Jones, Rashard Mendenhall, Chris Johnson–
1990 NFL Draft:
Harold Green, Leroy Hoard, Chris Warren, Barry Foster, Brian Mitchell, Johnny Johnson–
