NFL teams
Adam Schefter, ESPN Senior Writer 9y

The sweet spot for running backs

NFL

As much as the third time is the charm, so is the third round of the NFL draft.

Especially for running backs.

Here's some new and random data for teams to factor into their in-depth analytics: Every three years dating to 2005, the third round has produced the best running back in its class and one of the top backs in the game.

In 2005, San Francisco used a third-round pick on Miami's Frank Gore, who has proved to be as good as former Hurricanes running backs Edgerrin James and Clinton Portis.

In 2008, Kansas City used a third-round pick on Jamaal Charles, who is trying to make this the fifth season in the past six that he has rushed for more than 1,000 yards.

In 2011, Dallas used a third-round pick on DeMarco Murray. Along with Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning, Murray has been one of the league's two best players this season.

And now, there already are some 2014 third-round candidates beginning to emerge as the three-year running back cycle continues. Rams third-round pick Tre Mason has ignited St. Louis' rushing attack the past two weeks and hopes to continue it Sunday vs. Kansas City.

Vikings third-rounder Jerick McKinnon, acquired with a pick Minnesota got from Seattle for wide receiver Percy Harvin, has demonstrated talents he hopes to deploy Sunday against Tampa Bay.

Browns third-round pick Terrance West, although his carries have fallen off heading into Sunday's game vs. Oakland, looked like Cleveland's most talented running back throughout the summer.

And Steelers third-round pick Dri Archer has flashed the type of big-play ability, albeit mostly as a third-down specialist, that Pittsburgh could use Sunday against Indianapolis.

As this year's rookie backs try to make their mark, Murray -- the fifth back taken in 2011 -- should remain their benchmark. Through seven games this season, Murray has 913 rushing yards, more than the career totals of every back drafted ahead of him except Mark Ingram, who has career marks of 1,621 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns.

But all of these backs continue to drive down their position's draft-day value. There still will be a premium placed on a running back such as Georgia's Todd Gurley. But many teams recognize that if there's a position they can wait to draft, it's running back.

In the past two drafts, no running back was picked in the first round. Before that, 1963 was the last time a running back wasn't taken in Round 1. There is mounting evidence that teams don't even have to take running backs in Round 2.

When it comes to finding running backs, the third round has been the sweet spot.

Tough times in NFC South: Not long ago, the NFC South was regarded as one of the best divisions in the NFL, if not the best. But not anymore.

Not one team in the NFC South has a winning record this season, as the four teams have combined for an 8-17-1 mark. Even worse, through seven weeks of the season, not one team in the division has a positive point differential.

The 3-3-1 Panthers have been outscored by 37 points. The 2-4 Saints have been outscored by 10 points. The 2-5 Falcons have been outscored by 28 points. And the 1-5 Buccaneers have been outscored by 84 points.

Each team has a home game this weekend to try to get its season back in order, although the Falcons' home game is in London and kicks off at 9:30 a.m. ET Sunday. The Panthers host the defending Super Bowl champion Seahawks, who are coming off two losses. The Buccaneers host the Vikings, and the Saints host the Packers in the Sunday night game.

The NFC South has stumbled and lost not only games but also some of the cachet it had in recent seasons.

And in the end, it just might be that eight wins will be enough to wrap up the NFC South title.

Marinelli worthy of accolades: Cowboys defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli gets the seven-week assistant coach of the year award. What he has done with a 14th-ranked (based on yards per game) Dallas defense, which many thought would be a disaster, is beyond impressive.

He has infused the unit with an old-school energy and effort that is harder to get out of players than some realize.

But what's notable is that this Dallas defense could, and should, get better as the season goes on.

Second-round pick DeMarcus Lawrence, who fractured his right foot in training camp and was placed on injured reserve with designation to return, is scheduled to make his season debut Nov. 2 against the Arizona Cardinals.

Until he suffered the training camp injury, Lawrence looked like Dallas' best pass-rusher. Plus, Dallas believes defensive end Anthony Spencer will continue to improve after returning from microfracture surgery on his left knee.

And Dallas defensive tackle Josh Brent, still serving an NFL suspension, is eligible to begin practicing next week and could be reinstated as soon as Nov. 23 at the Giants. So a Dallas defense that was maligned before the season began is positioned to be even better than it is or was thought to be.

SCHEF'S SPECIALTIES

Player of the Week: Saints QB Drew Brees: New Orleans and Brees have been struggling, and both are due to explode Sunday night against a vulnerable Packers defense.

Game of the Week: Philadelphia at Arizona:  Two 5-1 teams, two high-powered offenses, two coaches with circuitous career paths and two teams good enough to make postseason noise.

Upset of the Week: Pittsburgh over Indianapolis: The Steelers have the chance to use Monday-night momentum for a Sunday upset special against a banged-up Colts team.

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