The importance of the running back has declined as NFL offenses have increasingly favored an aerial attack. In fact, during the 2013 NFL Draft -- and for the first time since 1963, when the opening round of the draft had only 14 picks -- not a single running back was taken in the first round, and in five of the last 12 years, three or fewer running backs were taken in the first round. But the position still has value, especially as offenses add new tactical wrinkles like the read-option.
With apologies to DeMarco Murray (can't seem to stay healthy), Frank Gore (still a beast) and Reggie Bush (also prone to injury), here are my picks for the top 10 running backs in the league today.
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