My view is not based on just one team getting value just one time.
I'm saying never draft them in the first round. I'm fine with rounds 3-7. Really nervous about Round 2 but not ruling it out.
I wasn't claiming otherwise. I was pointing out the asset management they used to get that run game production.
Absolutely, but it's much easier to consistently "Moneyball" that value out of a stable of RB's in a rotation then it is at the more critical positions.
If you used a first round pick on said RB then you have shot yourself in the foot without knowing it. One of the many more important factors in the value a team gets out of the running game is their OL. In fact "who" you have at running back is at or near of the bottom of that list of factors. The difference, if there is one, of the "who" is small enough that it is never worth using a first round pick on the RB position group. Also, you absolutely never over spend on your cap space for one. The running back you draft after the first round, or sign as a UDFA gets used for up to 4 years. If they are cheap enough you could resign them. Otherwise let them walk.