RB · pick 45 — first ever running back at #45 (1977)

RB·pick 45

FIRST RB EVER DRAFTED AT #45

Rob Lytle

Drafted by DEN · Michigan

1977

RBs drafted at #45 in NFL history

most recent: Derrick Henry (TEN, 2016)

How rare was this draftigami?

Trained on every pick through 1976, the model gave a running back at #45 a 13.7% chance in 1977.

Running back at #45, year by year

Each year's estimate uses only that year's draft and the years before it — no peeking ahead. The line smooths across neighboring picks and seasons so a single oddball draft doesn't dominate. The shaded band is the model's 90% uncertainty range.

Peak: 24.4% · 2027 model: 4.9%

Surrounding picks · 1977 draft

#40DTBob BaumhowerMIA
#41LBTerry BeesonSEA
#42CBWalt WilliamsDET
#43CBMike SpiveyCHI
#44RBHorace IvoryNE
#46STTom SkladanyCLE
#47RBGeorge FranklinARI
#48RBSidney ThorntonPIT
#49RBPete JohnsonCIN
#50RBBilly WaddyLAR

Drafted at this same coordinate later · 8 picks

2016Derrick HenryTEN — GM Jon Robinson · Alabama
2006LenDale WhiteTEN — GM Floyd Reese · USC
1993Reggie BrooksWAS — GM Charley Casserly · Notre Dame
1992Amp LeeSF — GM John McVay · Florida St.
1991Ricky WattersSF — GM John McVay · Notre Dame
1990Leroy HoardCLE — GM Ernie Accorsi · Michigan
1982Joe MorrisNYG — GM George Young · Syracuse
1978Dave TurnerCIN · San Diego State

→ see this cell on the full chart