Should teams trade running backs for draft picks? (1 Viewer)

[footballsavvy]

More and more there seems to be teams with 3 quality backs and teams with no quality backs.

The Cowboys, Panthers, Raiders, Giants sure seem like they have commodities that the Seahawks, Redskins, Texans, and Bucs need greatly.

Why is this not done more in the NFL?

Is the marketing side of drafting a top rookie greater than choosing an NFL tested and proven player like Michael Bush or Tashard Choice?

Just seems like these teams with 3 great backs could parlay one into draft picks or other needs.

Thoughts?

 

[IvanKaramazov]

By and large, running backs don't have a huge trade value in the NFL. Seriously, what kind of value do you think a guy like Michael Bush or Tashard Choice would fetch? That's why they don't get traded.

 

[Avery]

By and large, running backs don't have a huge trade value in the NFL. Seriously, what kind of value do you think a guy like Michael Bush or Tashard Choice would fetch? That's why they don't get traded.

This.The cost-benefit ratio of trading a RB tends to dictate that they don't often get traded.

 

[Sleeping King]

RB have the shortest shelf life in the league. Teams get to control the contracts of a rookie for much longer. Even a player like Bush or Choice are that much closer to being paid well if they play well.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

In addition to everything else that has been said already, teams need RB depth. Its obvious with the amount of injuries each season. So what would be the point in trading away a backup RB that already knows your system for a pick, just to have to (in essense) use that pick to draft a backup RB.

 

[Tanner9919]

More and more there seems to be teams with 3 quality backs and teams with no quality backs.The Cowboys, Panthers, Raiders, Giants sure seem like they have commodities that the Seahawks, Redskins, Texans, and Bucs need greatly.Why is this not done more in the NFL?Is the marketing side of drafting a top rookie greater than choosing an NFL tested and proven player like Michael Bush or Tashard Choice?Just seems like these teams with 3 great backs could parlay one into draft picks or other needs.Thoughts?

Osi straight up for D'Angelo Williams? done.where do I sign up?!Osi straight up for Michael Bush? done.where do I sign up?!Giants need to trade Osi and acquiring either of these terrific RB's ,would be golden!

 

[Jeff Tefertiller]

Als, those young backs not drafted in the first round and still on their rookie contract are cheap labor. There is no reason for Dallas to trade Choice or Oakland to move Bush. Even DeAngelo and Barber are fairly reasonable in terms of contracts for this year. I see cheap salaries at a position with plenty of injuries. I have not gone through the math, but I think Dallas has only $5-6 million into the position for 2010. With the injuries, not really worth the paltry return.

When a team connects (and gains a productive starter) on a pick after the first round, they get a very cheap starter. This is invaluable.

 

[Amused to Death]

I think RB's are far more valuable in FFL then the NFL. And I think they're even slipping in FFL. I think NFL teams would much rather invest in the defense and O-line.

 

[Sweet Love]

In addition to everything else that has been said already, teams need RB depth. Its obvious with the amount of injuries each season. So what would be the point in trading away a backup RB that already knows your system for a pick, just to have to (in essense) use that pick to draft a backup RB.

Exactly. The OP mentioned the Raiders and Dallas, but those teams NEEDED three RBs at some point this year which bolsters the point that you cannot trade these guys. Coupled with the fact that many of them are on small rookie salaries, they are cheap labor. Now, I also believe that RBs are a dime a dozen. Every year there are the Fred jacksons of the world (in fact there are usally a few, like Jamaal Charles and Jerome Harrison). Take Harrison as an example. Would a random QB who has been in the league for many years and never have a chance to be "the man" get inserted into the lineup on a crummy team and almost set the NFL rushing record...never in a million years. We get the 159 yards and 1 TD, 1 INT performances from the Fitzpatricks of the world.