In recent years, the running back position in the NFL has seen a significant decline in value as teams opt for younger and more affordable options over lucrative contracts for veteran backs.
ESPN NFL Draft analyst Matt Miller openly endorsed this strategy, sparking heated reactions from star running backs Josh Jacobs and Saquon Barkley after they failed to secure long-term deals with their respective teams.
In a tweet, Miller proposed a plan for teams to draft running backs and immediately put them to use, only applying the franchise tag “ONE TIME” if they prove to be good enough. This suggestion caught the attention of prominent NFL running backs such as Derrick Henry, Austin Ekeler, and Jonathan Taylor, who voiced their frustration with Miller’s perspective.
Ekeler criticized the narrative that has devalued the running back position, emphasizing its importance in winning games and supporting any RB striving to earn what they deserve.
Henry echoed these sentiments, stating that the perception seems to be that RBs are expendable despite their hard work and dedication to organizations.
Taylor responded by mocking Miller’s tweet and highlighting the impact RBs can have on an organization’s success.
Miller defended his stance by pointing out that the Super Bowl-winning Chiefs had no receivers with over 1000 yards and a starting RB drafted in Round 7. He acknowledged the value of having a great RB but emphasized the ongoing debate about the true worth of the position.
Who is Matt Miller?
Matt Miller is a prominent NFL Draft analyst known for his expertise and insights into football scouting and player evaluations. He joined ESPN in 2021 as an NFL Draft contributor and later returned as a year-round Draft analyst in 2022. In April 2023, Miller made his on-air NFL Draft debut during day three of the 2023 NFL Draft in Kansas City, where he contributed to ESPN’s broadcast for rounds 4-7.
According to Miller’s LinkedIn bio, Miller’s extensive experience in the football industry includes serving as the President, Director of Scouting, and Lead Scout at New Era Scouting since June 2006. He also has a background in coaching, having worked as the Varsity Football Coach at Liberal High School during the 2006 and 2007 seasons, handling various positions such as QB, RB, FB, CB, FS, and SS.
Throughout his career, Miller has left a significant impact on sports media. He spent time at Bleacher Report, where he gained recognition as the most read author in the history of the platform. His expertise spans national NFL content, video analysis, and NFL draft content.
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Beyond his work in sports media, Miller has honed his skills in social media techniques and marketing copywriting, having worked at Mpix.com-MpixPro.com as a Social Networking and Community Administrator from August 2006 to May 2011.
The controversy highlights the ongoing struggle for running backs in the NFL, with many feeling undervalued and disregarded. As the league evolves, players and analysts continue to grapple with the changing perceptions surrounding the running back position and its impact on team success.
