“Is That First Step a Running Back?” NFL Insider Dan Graziano Questions Team-Building Philosophy

The modern NFL keeps asking the same question in different ways: where does team-building actually begin? Is it in the trenches, where games are won and lost before skill players even touch the ball? Or does it start with the explosive playmakers who define identity and dictate matchups?

That debate resurfaced again on ESPN’s Get Up, where a discussion about the Arizona Cardinals running back depth chart spiraled into a debate about philosophy, roster construction, and the value of a position that has steadily lost draft-day prestige.

In an era where running backs are often seen as replaceable assets, the idea of building a team around one feels almost outdated. Yet, as offenses evolve and defenses adapt, the league continues to cycle through old truths dressed in new analytics. The Cardinals, coming off a rebuilding phase and trying to establish offensive stability, suddenly became the backdrop for a league-wide argument.

The Cardinals are not alone in this dilemma. Rebuilding teams across the league face similar choices, weighing immediate production against long-term sustainability. The running back debate is simply the most visible manifestation of a deeper strategic crossroads.

1. Why NFL Teams Are Choosing Trenches Over Touchdowns to Build a Contender

The NFL has long oscillated between two schools of thought, i.e., build from the inside out, or prioritize skill positions that can change games instantly. For decades, front offices leaned heavily toward offensive and defensive lines, believing control at the line of scrimmage translated directly into wins. That approach still dominates draft boards, where linemen and edge rushers are often prioritized over running backs. In recent years, this philosophy has only strengthened. Teams like the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers have demonstrated that elite line play can elevate almost any skill-position group. Their success has reinforced the belief that sustainable contention begins in the trenches, not in the backfield. This is where the running back debate becomes complicated. While elite backs can transform offenses, the positional value has declined due to shorter career spans and the emergence of committee systems. Organizations are increasingly reluctant to invest heavily in a single back when production can be replicated through depth and scheme. At the same time, offenses are becoming more versatile, requiring backs who can catch passes, block effectively, and operate in space. This evolution has shifted the role rather than eliminated its importance. The question is no longer whether running backs matter—it’s whether they should be foundational.

2. Is Jeremiah Love the Future, or Does James Conner Still Anchor the Rebuild?

Do the Cardinals lean into a ground-heavy approach to support their offense, or do they prioritize protection and passing efficiency first? Historically, Arizona has struggled to maintain consistency in both areas simultaneously. Offensive line instability has often limited the effectiveness of their skill players, reinforcing the argument that the foundation must come first. Without reliable blocking, even the most talented running backs struggle to produce. The Arizona Cardinals’ backfield starts with James Conner. When healthy, Conner has been one of the more productive early-down backs in the league, combining power running with reliable red-zone output. He remains the safest piece in the room, and in the short term, the offense still runs through him. Behind him, though, is where the projection and the debate begin to take shape. Emari Demercado showed flashes as a change-of-pace option, particularly in space, while Michael Carter profiles more as a passing-down specialist. Those roles are defined, but they don’t shift defensive game plans on their own. That’s where the incoming name, Jeremiah Love, changes the tone. Love isn’t being framed as depth. He’s being framed as a transition point. A player with top-tier collegiate production and physical traits that project immediately to the pro level, and more importantly, someone expected to eventually take control of the backfield. The tension is obvious. Conner represents proven production; Love represents projected upside and long-term identity. For a team like Arizona, that creates a layered depth chart, one that has to balance immediate competitiveness with future direction. It’s not just about who starts Week 1, but who defines the offense by Week 10.

3. How Elite Teams Like the Chiefs Are Winning Super Bowls Without Marquee RBs

The question Graziano posed reflects a broader league trend. Running backs are no longer seen as cornerstone draft investments. Over the past decade, the number of first-round running backs has declined significantly, replaced by a surge in selections at premium positions like edge rusher, tackle, and cornerback. Teams like the Kansas City Chiefs have demonstrated that elite offenses can function without a marquee running back, relying instead on quarterback play, scheme, and situational contributions from multiple backs. This model has become increasingly influential. Even when teams do invest in running backs, the approach is cautious. Contract structures, workload management, and committee usage all reflect a desire to maximize efficiency while minimizing risk. The position’s physical demands make long-term investments inherently uncertain. However, exceptions still exist. Players who can contribute in multiple phases; rushing, receiving, and pass protection, retain high value. The challenge is identifying those players and determining whether they justify being the “first step” in a rebuild. Graziano’s question isn’t just about running backs. It’s about sequencing. What comes first in the construction of a competitive roster, and how do teams ensure that the first step leads in the right direction?

• Tags:
• James Conner
• Emari Demercado
• Michael Carter
• Jeremiah Love