Quote:
Originally Posted by SteveMax58
I never like drafting a RB that high. Even if they are the most phenomenal athlete you've seen, the chances that they can last long enough for the rest of the team to develop around them is so slim that he'll either be gone in 3 or 4 seasons to free agency or be completely burned out physically in 4-5 seasons of pounding the ball because nothing else works.
I understand the need for a great skill player and the attraction that is to an owner/fanbase, but if I were a Browns fan, I'd be hoping for more help on the O/Dline (given that there is no QB worth picking after #2).
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I completely understand this philosophy when it comes to running backs. But at the same time, if you are 100% convinced that Richardson (or another RB in a given year) is head and shoulders above whatever else you could get, and it fits an immediate need on your team that another selection won't, I see no reason why you shouldn't make the pick. Let's ignore the upside that he could be a top 3 player until he's 29 when the wheels fall off a bit and just stick with your example. Is what you were describing that you would get out of him really not better off than whatever player you may not be as sold on, but who could give you 12 years if he reaches his potential?
I also think people overlook a player's floor in situations like this. As long as there aren't fumbling issues, a back like Richardson could get thrown out there from Day 1 and give some degree of contribution to the team. Maybe it's no more than replacement level at first, but it's something. There are times an OL or DL might not even see the field for the first season or two because their level of play is actually hurtful. And in the OL's case, that means possibly getting your QB killed.
eta: And once again, you have to take the lower bonus structure into account when making these decisions.