*The NSFL Depth Chart - RB Edition

[majesiu]

We are not slowing down - this time we take a look at the Running Back position. It's slightly harder to evaluate since so far we just took a look at K/P and QB which teams use only as one.
In case of RB they are of course used as their main position, but also have the Blocking Back archetype that excels in FB role and others, especially Receiving Back and All-Purpose Back can be used as well as a slot receiver/flanker.
Still, every team needs at least one running back to man this position since no other can be used effectively in their place. Thus it made more sense to get an overview of this position before a joined article about WR/TE, which are often used interchangeably.
Of course, that's my interpretation and while I consulted more knowledgeable people I'm always looking toward getting more information so if you disagree with my opinion about RB utilization go ahead and share your own!

Plan of releases:
1. 8/14 - K/P
2. 8/15 - QB
3. 8/15 - RB
4. 8/16 - DE/DE
5. 8/16 - LB
6. 8/17 - S
7. 8/17 - CB
8. 8/18 - WR/TE
9. 8/18 - League-wide picture and further analysis

All values used were based on the last update of the regular season (not the playoffs one, to give all teams equal chance). Quite possible this will become a seasonal thing if there will be interest in it.

A. Current Overview

1. [S2] - Owen Taylor 1020 TPE
2. [S2] - Darren Smallwood 802 TPE
3. [S1] - Reg Mackworthy 634 TPE
4. [S2] - Jordan Yates 576 TPE
5. [S6] - Robby Rainey 565 TPE
6. [S7] - Mark Grau 423 TPE
7. [S2] - Damien Kroetch 349 TPE
8. [S9] - Marquise Brown 303 TPE
9. [S1] - Bubba Nuck 275 TPE
10. [S9] - Ricky Adams 252 TPE
11. [S6] - Borro Gore 249 TPE
12. [S3] - Erlich Burnsman 210 TPE

This paints an interesting picture. There is only a handful of really developed players in first 8 seasons - Owen Taylor and Darren Smallwood. I think long circulating stigma of RB position being really random and not heavily TPE impacted took it's tool and made many players not realize their full potential. With recent changes to the playbook and shift to the running game that resulted in breaking a lot of running records in just ended S9 as well as MVP award by Smallwood in S8 there is plenty of players willing to take a crown of next best Running Back of the NSFL.


Blue - Sum of TPE in that regression class, red - a number of players, yellow - average TPE in that class.



Unlike previous positions, RB was always quite a popular choice but remained a step behind in terms of franchise players behind some other positions, especially considering the sheer amount of players that created as RB. This should change soon though with really promising S9 & S10 class.

B. Team Needs and Prospects Breakdown
Each team will receive a current grade (1-10 scale), based on average TPE of players manning the position (1 - ~50 TPE, 2 ~100 TPE, 3 ~200 TPE). Next grade - future grade - is more subjective since I also tried to estimate regression impact and current prospects in the system - 10 would mean a team has a serviceable player that could last up to 8 more seasons in that position, whole 1 means they have to draft/sign a player asap in that position. It's obviously a bit more complicated since activity also matters here and the more base TPE player currently has the longer he can fight regression.

Current Grade / Future Grade
10/4
9/3
7/7
7/6
7/4
5/7
4/7
3/6

Prospects Watch (Interesting S9-S10 players):
1. [S9] - Marquise Brown 303 TPE
2. [S9] - Ricky Adams 252 TPE
3. [S10] - D'Pez Poopsie 191 TPE
4. [S9] - Elijah Lagerfield 185 TPE
5. [S10] - Achilles Hondo 184 TPE
6. [S10] - Danny Grithead 172 TPE
7. [S9] - LaMarcus Strike 135 TPE
8. [S10] - Seer Zephyrous 95 TPE
9. [S10] - Devo Cansino 84 TPE
10. [S10] - Ricky Flores 76 TPE
11. [S10] - Adam Krossman 76 TPE

Yet another list of prospects that is looking very promising. 3 S9 prospects that should get significant playing time as soon as next season. 3 RB of franchise-caliber in S10 class accompanied by at 4 more prospects that already developed a bit.
With only 3 players in Top 12 not being part of S1-S2 class (S3 Erlich Burnsman already retired and won't return next season), there will be plenty of spots for this players to start contributing really quick maybe even immediately after being drafted.

And to wrap this up quick values showing how many TPE you need to break into any NSFL team roster, how many decent NSFL players are on the team rosters currently and how many good prospects are in the pipeline.
TPE to break into the NSFL Roster: 303 (Quite high, but it's using the assumption the teams use only 1 RB which is rarely the case)
Current NSFL ready (250+) players: 10
Prospects (S8 200+ TPE, S9 150+, S10 100+): 6