It used to be that the best RB was taken at or very near the top of the draft. The QB was expected to hand off most of the time and occasionally throw. Generally only 2 WR’s on the field and there was a big blocking FB.
Now, the NFL features 3 WR’s, no FB’s (to speak of), pass catching RB’s and TE’s that play more like WR’s. All this to feature the QB’s arm, football I.Q. and running talent.
Which era was better?
In my book it was when you had a mix of both:
Kelly & Thurman
Aikmen & Smith
Montana & Craig
Manning & Faulk (& James)
Staubach & Dorsett
Bradshaw & Harris