Position Series: RB
Some of you might remember I did an article series in the NAFL exploring the average stats from the top players by position. When we migrated SFL the league changed and so did the stats on leading players. I asked myself how much did positions change? So I have collected data based on top players by position and comparing my data from NAFL here?s how the running back position has changed.
As the draft approaches it?s timely to evaluate what stats are important for elite numbers!
Overall Impression:
The biggest change from NAFL to SFL was the increase of strength. STR saw a +5 increase by avg. That?s contrasted by a small drop in speed and acceleration. We might be seeing success as a running back is going to make strength critical since they?re a slower position. The other big difference is the drop in AWR. -10 points. This is likely due to being a younger league and the success we?ve seen at rookie HBs. Finally I see a big drop in carry (-7 points). Perhaps there?s evidence why I see a fumble review nearly once a game, although offers a degree of realism.
The Details:
Acceleration (ACC): Avg. 92 (-2 from NAFL Avg.)
SFL acceleration average remains in the 90s. I valued high ACC in NAFL and that priority continues into the SFL. Having a high ACC is important to a successful running back.
Speed (SPD): Avg: 90 (-2 from NAFL Avg.)
The average speed dropped to 90, but more interesting is the range. NAFL ranged from 88 to 99, in SFL we?re seeing the range from 95 to 85, showing that you can still find value in a RB with mid 80 speed, but I think you have to balance strength with speed.
Agility (AGI): Avg: 88 (-2 from NAFL Avg.)
The trend is that the SFL has less speed, acceleration and agility. Again, I think this is further evidence that a linear runner can prosper in SFL. 88 is still high, but the majority of top players are ranging in the mid-80s.
Strength (STR): Avg: 80 (+5 from NAFL Avg.)
One of the areas that changed I found most interesting. The increase of strength might be a result of the drop in speed making contact important for running backs to power through. It seems as if having a Power Back might be something to look for in a player.
Break Tackle (BTK) Avg. 93 (-1 from NAFL Avg.)
Very close to the NAFL normal. Elite RBs will need a high BTK to succeed.
Carry (CAR) Avg. 85 (-7 from NAFL Avg.)
Looking at the top RBs from 2004 this stat varies from 90 to 77. From personal impression, I do remember a number of fumble challenges. I think the influence of rookies can affect this number. If I wanted to evaluate talent, I would want to strive for the 90 rather than be comfortable with 77. But understand how far that bar can go and still make the top 10.
Awareness (AWR) Avg. 80 (-10 from NAFL Avg.)
I see a number of rookie running backs leading the SFL right now, which is very exciting. Overall impression you won?t need elite AWR to be a top player in the SFL.
2020 Draft Prep Stats:
ACC: 92
AGI: 88
SPD: 90
BTK: 93
CAR: 85
STR: 80
AWR: 80
I would love to hear your opinion on what stats make a RB elite. What stats do you pay most attention to? When developing your rookie RB what benchmarks are you looking to hit first?
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