Remaining NFL playoff teams aren’t afraid to invest at less-coveted positions

In a season full of satisfying moments for Detroit Lions fans, an amusing one occurred in mid-December, when coach Dan Campbell had a chance to gloat a bit about the team’s most recent draft.

The players in question were running back Jahmyr Gibbs and tight end Sam LaPorta, both of whom became key contributors after the Lions took them in the first and second rounds.

“I’m just going to bring it back to (general manager) Brad Holmes, it’s a hell of a job by him, once again,” Campbell said. “Took a lot of criticism for those two picks, but they look like they’re OK, so I’m glad we got them.”

The criticism the Lions received was less about the players’ talent than their positions, particularly in the case of Gibbs, who went 12th overall. But perhaps there’s a lesson to be learned from Detroit’s approach — and from the other three teams remaining in the NFL playoffs. The Lions, Ravens, 49ers and Chiefs have all reached this point after making significant investments at positions that aren’t always prioritized around the league.

Detroit isn’t the only team that’s been willing to buck the league-wide trend of devaluing running backs. When Christian McCaffrey was available in 2022, San Francisco gave up a haul of draft picks to get him. He’s the highest-paid running back in the league based on average annual value, according to overthecap.com.

It’s fair to say the 49ers have no regrets after McCaffrey scored 21 touchdowns (14 rushing, seven receiving) during this past regular season. He’s an MVP finalist.

“Whenever you have a back who’s a threat in the pass game like he is and a tight end, those guys are guarded by linebackers and safeties. It’s tough to put a safety on both of them, so you usually get linebackers and stuff,” 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said. “When you have guys who are built to stop the run but have to stop a running back who’s like a receiver, they usually need help. And so, when they’re in position to get beat, they get help and that still doesn’t…

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Publish date : 2024-01-26 00:15:40

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