Given the carnage RBs experience (Dalvin Cook the latest) and it being a pass first league, any GM taking Barkley with the first pick would be betting his job on it turning out well - most GMs probably will not make that bet
The franchise tag cost of a RB compared to other positions is an indication RBs are not as valued as they were back in the day
- Quarterback: $21.395MM
- Running back: $12.377MM
- Wide receiver: $15.826MM
- Tight end: $9.894MM
- Offensive line: $14.444MM
- Defensive end: $16.955MM
- Defensive tackle: $13.468MM
- Linebacker: $14.754MM
- Cornerback: $14.297MM
- Safety: $10.961MM
- Punter/kicker: $4.863MM
https://fansided.com/2017/02/14/nfl-...-per-position/