The First Pick in the Draft Since the 1970 Merger

[plasticman]

Since the 2000 draft, 23 seasons ago, the #1 overall selection in the draft came from only one of three positions.

The #1 overall selections since 2000 include 5 DE's, 2 OT's and 16 QB's.

In fact, the #1 overall selection in a drafting has not played a different position since 1996 when the New York Jets chose WR Keyshawn Johnson.

In the 53 drafts from 1970 to 2022, we have the following number of players at each position:

QB-26
RB-6
WR-2
OT-3

DE-12
LB-2
DT=2

No TE, Guard, or defensive back has ever been the. #1 overall pick in the draft.

Here is the number of QB's drafted in each decade.

2020's-2 (so far)
2010's-7
2000's-7
1990's-4
1980's-3
1970's-3

This is another example of how the increased importance of the passing game has effected the way in which talent is acquired. In the case of the overall picks since 2000, we have the positions of the passer, the primary protector of the passer, and the primary danger to the passer

At the same time, we see the decreased importance of the running game which has decreased from 54.8% in 1970 to 41.7% in the 2010's.

The NFL places less value today on the runner as well as the primary defenders against the run, the LB's and DT's

Due to the increased value of the passing game, the best player in the draft is rarely taken first as a less talented QB at his position is given more value.

 

[big dog cowboy]

At the same time, we see the decreased importance of the running game which has decreased from 54.8% in 1970 to 41.7% in the 2010's.

The NFL places less value today on the runner as well as the primary defenders against the run, the LB's and DT's

I think we're are very aware how true that is.

 

[plasticman]

I think that, in the 2014 season, the Cowboys offensive style shocked the NFL.

During this time the NFL football had evolved into a passing game. However, through sheer coincidence, the Cowboys had built a perfect run offense. Obviously, this was not the plan. Both jones and Garrett wanted a prolific passing game.

However, we had Fredericks' surprise emergence as the best center in football. Then, Cowboys received the consolation prize for not drafting Manziel, Guard Zack Martin.

Along with Tyron Smith, Ronald Leary, and Doug Free, they formed a strong and cohesive offensive line during which their primary RB was Demarco Murray. When Murray finally had a healthy season, 2014 culminated in a run dominant Cowboys offense. Tony Romo, who had his least average pass attempts per game during this season became the #1 rated QB for the first and only time in his career.

Of course, 2015 was a complete step backwards as Jerry, once again, disrespected the RB position to the point that Romo was in danger from very predictable passing downs due to the ineptness of Murray's replacements. The inevitable happened, Romo went down, season over..

The drafting of Zeke was an acknowledgement of that disasterous decision. The 2016 season that featured a rookie RB and QB once again proves the league's lack of preparedness to face a strong running offense.

Leading up to these seasons, DE's became smaller and faster, with QB pressure taking priority over stopping the run. LB's were being removed more often in defensive lineups to make room for a fifth DB in order to cover more potential receivers. The Cowboys took advantage of these circumstances but failed to continue the style that made them successful. They tried to turn Dak into a prolific passer and dialed down the running game. Rather than provide viable competition at the position, they anointed, and subsequently semi-retired Zeke.

 

[Flamma]

I miss the days when we'd stuff the run 2 yards in the backfield. That puts more pressure on the offense. As opposed to 1st and 10, 2nd and 5, 3rd and 2. Then cross your fingers.