First running back drafted by year: Full list of top RBs taken in every draft since 1970

First running back drafted by year: Full list of top RBs taken in every draft since 1970 originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Running backs no longer run the NFL world.

For a sport that often uses terminology that resembles an actual war, it comes as no surprise that NFL teams have instead adopted an aerial attack rather than traditional boots on the ground.

The early days of the league placed an emphasis on the running-back spot, similar to a high school team that hasn't stopped running an option offense. As time goes on, coaches and players find new ways to put points on the scoreboard.

While running backs are typically a key piece to a team's success, the seemingly endless amount of quality talent at the position is what keeps them from rocketing up the draft board.

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Here's a look at where the first running back has come off the board in every NFL Draft since 1970.

First running back drafted by year

Prior to 2000, it wasn't uncommon to see a running back drafted at No. 1. It happened six times before the turn of the century, with 1995 being the last instance when Penn State's Ki-Jana Carter was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals.

Since then, however, only nine players have been able to crack the top five — Jamal Lewis, LaDainian Tomlinson, Ronnie Brown, Reggie Bush, Darren McFadden, Trent Richardson, Ezekiel Elliott, Leonard Fournette and Saquon Barkley.

Running backs have seen their average draft spot drop to 19.6 since 2010, even despite the game-breaking talent that's entered the league. With the position's average salary being the lowest for any non-special teams position — $2,025,769, per Spotrac — NFL teams have found a cheap solution to filling a crucial role.

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As talent continues to be pushed down the board, it's a wonder whether they'll ever recover. There will always be those few special players that break through, but the best of the rest are continued to force to settle for less.

Here is where the first running back has come off the board every year since 1970: