NFL Players Actually Appear To Be Getting Smaller

In 2013, there were 93 first-year players who weighed at least 300 pounds in the NFL according to WashingtonPost.com. Historically that is still a lot, but it is also a drop of 29.5% in just two years.

It is unclear yet if this is a real trend or just an anomaly. However, 2012 (119 players) and 2013 marked the first time in NFL history in which the number of rookies weighing at least 300 pounds dropped two straight seasons.

If this is a real trend, there are likely several factors causing the decrease in the number of large players (e.g. better drug testing, more emphasis on nutrition).

One of the big factors may be the recent decrease in the number of rushing attempts by teams. Rushes as a percentage of total plays have decreased each of the last four seasons, reaching an all-time low in 2013 (41.7%). With teams running less, there may be less of a need to have larger, run-stopping defensive linemen and a bigger need for more athletic linemen who can chase the quarterback.