John Spytek doesn’t know why NFL teams undervalue running backs

John Spytek doesn’t know why NFL teams undervalue running backs

The 2025 NFL Draft is just days away. Trey is pumping out draft profiles and War Room videos faster than you–or even he–can blink, so please go check those out when you get the chance. Also, be sure to check out the Draft Busters videos are out on the YouTube page from Garrett and Chickster.

Outside of the quarterbacks, one of the biggest debates this draft cycle is where teams should draft star running Ashton Jeanty, who finished second in the Heisman after putting together video game-like numbers at Boise State in 2024.

One place he’s been commonly mocked–for better or worse–is the Las Vegas Raiders, who addressed their glaring hole behind center last month after acquiring Geno Smith. There’s always been a contentious debate about where the position should be drafted relative to the rest. But first-year Raiders general manager John Spytek doesn’t understand it.

“I mean we just saw Saquon Barkley just change the Eagles in one year,” Spytek said Friday, according to ESPN’s Ryan McFadden. “There’s certain ways to build a team, and I don’t know where we got to a place where we don’t feel like running backs are valued.

“I come from the University of Michigan, and those guys were certainly really valued there. So, it’s hard for me to get away from that.”

Over the years, running backs have been devalued across the league because of how prominent the passing game has become in most offenses. They have also long been seen as one of the most replaceable positions because of how important good offensive line play is to their success.

Not to mention, any first-round pick has a fifth-year option attached to it. A running back’s shelf life is shorter relative to other positions. So investing greater dollars to a player whose peak years will typically be at the end of its rookie contract raises a debate on whether it’s worth it to invest an early-round pick into said player.

Five running backs have been Day 1 picks since 2020. Three of those players–Bijan Robinson, Jahmyr Gibbs and Josh Jacobs–ranked in the top-6 in rushing yards last year. However, all but eight of the league’s top-40 rushers over the last three seasons were Day 2-3 picks; 20 of those players were selected in Round 3 or later; 10, including four of the top-15 total, were Round 4 or later. You could cherry-pick each position, but generally, you can find productive running backs late in drafts while swinging for more valuable positions in early rounds.

Geno Smith signs two-year extension with Raiders

All of this is circumstantial, but if I were to offer my two cents, I don’t know if the Raiders are in a position to draft a top-flight running back No. 6 overall–especially one with as much wear-and-tear as Jeanty–without addressing other needs. Who knows, maybe they will pivot or trade back to acquire more assets? This is their first draft together, but if we know one thing, Spytek and head coach Pete Carroll aren’t afraid to prioritize the run game, especially if it means making the offense easier for their new signal caller.

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