The 2013 NFL draft could be a historic one for running backs, and not in a good way.
At least one running back has been taken in the first round every year since the AFL and NFL drafts merged in 1967, but that streak appears to be in serious jeopardy.
It's still possible that a back could shoot up the board during the pre-draft evaluation process or a team could reach for a back in the draft, but it's not looking good based on the current situation.
South Carolina's Marcus Lattimore was squarely in the first-round mix before suffering a gruesome, season-ending knee injury, and the next two backs on the board are underclassmen who carry late-second-round grades. They could decide to stay in school with the hope of boosting their stock next season.
What exactly is keeping this year's top prospects out of the first-round discussion? Let's take a look, but let's remember that a back doesn't have to be a first-rounder to make an impact at the next level. Just ask Washington Redskins rookie Alfred Morris, a sixth-round pick who is tied for third in the league with 1,106 rushing yards through Week 13.
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Steve Muench
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Todd McShay (left) is the director of college scouting for Scouts Inc. McShay, who played quarterback at Richmond, has been evaluating NFL prospects since 1998. Follow Todd on Twitter: @McShay13
Steve Muench (middle) played guard at Richmond and worked in the athletic department there and at Boston College before joining Scouts Inc. in 2002. Follow Steve on Twitter: @SteveMuenchESPN
Kevin Weidl (right) is a former quarterback for Indiana (Pa.) University who worked in the pro scouting department for the New York Jets before joining Scouts Inc. in 2007. Follow Kevin on Twitter: @Kevin_Weidl
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