Ricky Williams Discusses First-Round RB Value in NFL Draft

Retired All-Pro running back shares his perspective on when teams should consider selecting a running back in the first round.

Feb. 11, 2026 at 5:31am by Ben Kaplan

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In a recent interview, retired NFL running back Ricky Williams discussed his partnership with Panini America and shared his thoughts on the value of selecting a running back in the first round of the NFL Draft. Williams, who was drafted 5th overall in 1999, believes there are two exceptions where it makes sense to take a running back in the first round - when the team has an immediate need at the position, or when the player is a 'superstar' talent like Bijan Robinson.

Why it matters

Williams' perspective provides valuable insight into the ongoing debate around the value of drafting running backs in the first round, which has been a point of contention in recent years. As the Chiefs are widely expected to consider a running back with their first-round pick, Williams' comments offer a veteran player's view on when such a selection can be justified.

The details

During the interview, Williams discussed his love of collecting trading cards as a child and how he is now able to share that experience with his own kids through his partnership with Panini America. He also elaborated on his thoughts regarding first-round running back selections, noting that while it's generally not advisable, there are two key exceptions - when a team has an immediate need at the position, or when the player is a 'special talent' like Bijan Robinson.

  • The interview with Ricky Williams took place during Super Bowl LX week in San Francisco.

The players

Ricky Williams

A retired NFL running back who played 11 seasons in the league and one season in the CFL. He was drafted 5th overall by the New Orleans Saints in 1999 and went on to rush for over 10,000 career yards, becoming the 26th player in NFL history to achieve that milestone.

Bijan Robinson

A highly touted running back prospect who is expected to be a top draft pick in the upcoming 2023 NFL Draft.

Jeremiyah Love

A star running back from Notre Dame who is widely considered a potential first-round pick for the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2023 NFL Draft.

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What they’re saying

“I was a huge collector of trading cards (growing up), and one of my favorite things to do is bring my bring my kids, because I was a big collector, but we didn't have a lot, my parents didn't have a lot of extra money, it was a rare occasion that I could get a new pack, and rarely ever could I buy a card that I wanted. My fondest memories are sitting with my baseball cards and my football cards and my binder, trading with my friends.”

— Ricky Williams, Retired NFL Running Back

“I think it's not bad general advice, but I think there are two exceptions. I think one, when you have a team in, the missing piece that you feel is a running back, then I think it's, it's worth it, maybe, to get one in the first round. When you have a special player, I think guys like Bijan Robinson are special talents. (These) Superstars happen to play running back. I think those are the two cases where you have to take a running back in the first round.”

— Ricky Williams, Retired NFL Running Back

What’s next

The Chiefs will have to weigh Ricky Williams' advice as they consider their options with the 29th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, where they could potentially select a running back like Jeremiyah Love.

The takeaway

Ricky Williams' perspective on first-round running back value provides a veteran player's insight into a longstanding debate in the NFL. While the general consensus is that teams should avoid selecting running backs that high, Williams believes there are exceptions when the player is a 'superstar' talent or the team has an immediate need at the position. This could inform how teams, like the Chiefs, approach the running back position in the upcoming draft.