| Fun patterns--Look at the NFL production of Thurman Thomas and Barry Sanders, who went to the same school (OK St). Holy cow, that must have been one tough place to break the lineup as the #3 RB with two NFL HOFers ahead of you. And look at the strong success the NFL generated with Dillon, Taylor, and James consecutively from 97-99 (and Williams in 99 too, though he took a while to get going). Some years are great, and some strings of years, some not so much. Look at the last two--big QB years, for sure, but pretty tepid for rookie RBs. I think back to Edge James, who is a Hall of Fame bubble case thanks to a nasty knee injury his 3rd year, but who led the league in rushing his first two and when he was hurt in year 3, averaged over 110 YPG through six games--he was on pace for another 1,600 yard year, which would have put him near 4,800 in just his first three years. On a pass-first team! Then I look at the guys from the past three years and wonder, pfft, where have all the stud RBs gone? Maybe in college they migrate to positions that will pay better in the pros. HOw many colleges are multiply represented here--Miami, OK State, then maybe OSU, UGA, Texas? Not sure. Three months till football season! |
NFL Rushing Leaders by Letter
NFL Rushing TDs (2000s)
NFL 1st Round RBs (2000-present)
