MIAMI -- The running back position is a modern-day enigma in the NFL. They were once highly drafted, but now teams struggling how to value them properly.
Because of a running back's relatively short prime and heavy wear-and-tear, many teams have shied away from drafting them in the first round, opting for late-round or undrafted backs at a more reasonable price point. Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel has been a purveyor of that movement over the past five seasons.
Since taking over as the San Francisco 49ers' run game coordinator in 2017 and being promoted to offensive coordinator in 2021, three of McDaniel's leading rushers were undrafted, one was taken in the sixth round and the other was a second-round pick of a previous regime.