Chris Carson, Seattle Seahawks South Florida: Johnson, David: New Orleans Saints: Northern Iowa . 26. However, he only had one regular season game last year with more than 14 carries. Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports. Tony Brooks-James Pretty fair rankings. Ezekiel Elliott is coming off the worst season of his career, but the sixth-year pro seems well on his way to a huge bounce-back season. Which 10 players make up Nos. The reason I dont have him higher is that I had to discount the fact that we dont know who the starting QB will be. Has shown flashes in a limited role, but you get the feeling the Falcons are going to watch Turner's carries closely this year and that could mean more for Norwood. Between his durability and the Cardinals running scheme that gives him open spaces to run, he might end up leading the NFC West in rushing. Jul 18, 2020 12:41 PM EDT. Jerious Norwood, Atlanta. Garrett is a big reason why the Cleveland Browns' defense has improved in each of the last two seasons, jumping from 30th in total defense in 2018 to 22nd in 2019 to 17th in 2020. Ive already ranked the top 100 fantasy running backs in the NFL, but why not break this down by division? The 2 rookies to keep am eye on are Javian Hawkins-Atlanta and Chuba Hubbard-Carolina. The highest non-starter on this list, Kareem Hunt packs half of the punch for the leagues top RB duo in Cleveland. The 2019 third-round pick was an intriguing player entering the NFL and ideally would have been more impactful, especially when Todd Gurleys knee became an issue. Damien Harris, New England Patriots Mostert became the 49ers No. The longtime backfield teammate of Devonta Freeman ran for 800 yards and four touchdowns on 167 carries last season while starting in place of Freeman, who missed all but two games due to injury. The guy was a totally different player. After becoming just the fourth player in league history to surpass 1,000 yards rushing and receiving in the same year, McCaffrey signed a 4-Yr $64 million dollar contract extension this offseason that makes him the highest-paid back in the NFL. Listen to the latest from Cards Wires Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Bruce Arians has already said that Fournette and Jones will battle it out for the starting job in camp, but both will play a lot when the season begins. It's not far-fetched to think the best two receiving backs in the league reside in the NFC South. Atlanta also drafted Qadree Ollison and Marcus Green, further bolstering their depth. . NFL Players By Position - Running Back. Derrick Henry is the undisputed workout king as well as the leagues top stiff-arm threat entering 2021. The third-round pick had a very productive rookie year in 2020, rushing for 795 yards and scoring an extremely . Among the 12 backs who made our top 10 list, based on ties, Michael Turner (29), Steven Jackson (27) and Frank Gore (27) rank as the old men. New Orleans can win games with a historically efficient passing attack, a much-improved defense, or a playmaking special teams squad. Ted Cottrell, Rudy Redmond and Lee Calland talk about their time as professional football players, activism and life after the game ends, The former Falcons linebacker founded the Crockett Foundation in 2002. But, when you compare the teams running back groups altogether, theres no question the Cowboys have the best group in the division. Jones is set to be the bell cow in the Green Bay backfield for what seems like the first time in his career. Pollard made some explosive plays just like the one shown below. DAndre Swift, Detroit Lions Carolina claims the top spot in the division at running back, provided Christian McCaffrey stays healthy this season. He might not lead the division in rushing because of the addition of Hyde, but he enters the season as the best of the West. Seattle won 28-26. An injury decreased his role late in the season and in the postseason but he still averaged 4.0 yards per carry and rushed for 544 yards. The sixth-year running back has already recorded 5,860 rushing yards and 55 touchdowns, having produced at least 1,500 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns in each of the last two seasons. The WFTs running back group is led by the versatile 23-year-old Antonio Gibson. Jackson is a proven winner, too. Reggie Bush, New Orleans. Gibson also caught 36 passes for 247 yards, bringing his total yards to 1,042 in just 14 games. Every Thursday until the season begins, Ill be going through each position group in the NFC South, ranking them by team from fourth to first. New Orleans Saints collapse continues on Thanksgiving with fourth straight loss, Tom Brady gets Rob Gronkowski back, Buccaneers back in win column, Saints' Sean Payton defends 'super aggressive' approach after fans boo clock management, Why Saints quarterback Jameis Winston isn't motivated by revenge vs. He kept a lot of hits off Turner and quarterback Matt Ryan last year. 'I know that I can't do that': DJ Moore says unsportsmanlike penalty cost Panthers. 27. Hes somehow managed to record at least 81 receptions in each of his first four seasons with the Saints while also rushing for 3,340 yards on the ground. Nov 22, 2018; New Orleans, LA, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Ito Smith (25) is tackled by New Orleans Saints strong safety Kurt Coleman (29) in the second half at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. (via @Giants) pic.twitter.com/yNFOW1WoZQ. Where do the two Arizona Cardinals lead backs in James Conner and Chase Edmonds rank? 2. Joe Mixon, Cincinnati Bengals The WFT's running back group is led by the versatile 23-year-old Antonio Gibson. Panthers are per thin. Dwayne Washington Instead its his pass-catching skills, where he consistently creates separation as a route runner, even from a receiver alignment. 2:23 pm ET, Jerry Jones believes Cowboys can keep Zeke and Pollard, NFL combine measurements for DBs: Full list of results, Jerry Jones believes Prescott can progress like Brady, NFL combine 2023 results tracker: Top performances, NFL combine 2023: Winners and losers from DB workouts, Report: Pollard to get franchise tag if deal isn't done, Tracking NFL players who switched jersey numbers, NFL combine: Winners and losers from DB workouts, Mock Draft: Panthers, Colts trade up for QBs, Rodgers' trade value, logistics, best fit, Top QB in draft: I definitely don't want to play for 1 team, Jerry Jones: Dak can get better with age like Brady, Report: Daniel Jones actually wants more than $45M per, Ex-Patriots star McGinest facing 8 years in prison, Jerry Jones: Cowboys can find way to keep both RBs. Ashton answer's your questions in this Friday mailbag. To qualify, a player will. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Spotify. Posted by ESPN.com's Pat Yasinskas We'll continue our NFC South positional rankings today with running backs. Bernard is easily the most reliable back on the roster thanks to his sure hands and pass protection skills, which should be a huge boost to the Bucs in passing situations. I dont care what the scoring of your league entails. So, who are the best wide receivers in football entering the 2022 season? Which RB enters the season atop the list? Disagree. Carolina's main loss behind McCaffrey was veteran back C.J. His second half of 2019 showed what he could be. Also, I watched a good amount of Hawkins at Louisville and I think hes a very capable back that could eat into Davis carries. Falcons just have to be careful not to overuse him this year. Barkleys first two seasons of full health in New York saw him prove to be a home-run threat at every touch. Still, this is McCaffrey's show. Young has the talent to rise to the top of this list one day, but he slots in at No. Austin Ekeler, Los Angeles Chargers Your email address will not be published. 10-1? No one should be surprised to see Mahomes, who barely qualifies for this list with his 26th birthday falling just eight days after the NFL Kickoff Game, in this spot. Who was the top rookie? 32. Between the Panthers, Falcons, Saints, and the Bucs, the NFC South has a plethora (SAT word for yall) of backfield candidates to use in your lineups. We'll continue our NFC South positional rankings today with running backs. 28. 3. Bucky Brooks has Northwestern OT Peter Skoronski linked to the Falcons in first round, Van Ness and Murphy said they'd be thrilled to play in Atlanta, Wilson vows to make big impact, We also talk about which position the Falcons should take in the first round, Atlanta has tons of salary-cap space and No. Nelson might miss the start of the 2021 regular season as he recovers from foot surgery, but that doesn't change the fact that he's a three-time first-team All-Pro. 21. Chubb has been an instrumental part of the Browns' new winning culture as a focal point in Kevin Stefanski's offense. For his career, the bruising back out of Ohio State now has 6,384 rushing yards and another 1,957 receiving yards with 56 total touchdowns. 1 running back in 2020. Privacy Policy. Cowboys rumors: No progress towards Leighton Vander Esch deal, Donovan Wilson deal unlikely. With big additions to the defensive front, including Jadeveon Clowney, don't be surprised if Garrett comes close to or breaks Michael Strahan's single-season sack record in 2021. 12:07 left in this one. 10. His PFF rushing grade improved dramatically from his rookie year, jumping from a 59.1 all the way up to a 75.3. 25. Fresh off signing a new contract, Allen will be well on his way to becoming one of the great quarterbacks of his era if he continues on this trajectory. Ollison and Brooks-James have combined for 33 career carries, and Hawkins and Huntley are rookies. Pro Football Network, LLC. The former fourth-round pick showed some really good signs last season, rushing for 435 yards and scoring four touchdowns. He's still going to get plenty of carries in a ball-control offense and could even get some time at fullback. Sign up for our newsletter and get every update delivered to your inbox! Perhaps Im being too bearish on Davis outlook, but RB34 for his situation this year doesnt seem out of the question. Kamara, a 3rd-round pick from Tennessee in the 2017 draft, beat out McCaffrey for 2017 Offensive Rookie of the Year honors and is a vital part of the New Orleans offense. And I still really like Vaughn. Falcons GM takes AtlantaFalcons.com behind the scenes of one of the most important moments for draft prospects at the combine: The formal interview. It would not be the same as drafting a RB with the fourth overall pick. Nick Chubb is arguably the NFLs most elusive ball carrier. Rodney Smith A surprisingly large player for his size at 59, 208, Jones lowers the boom just the same as hell skirt by second-level defenders with speed. What everybody is missing from Mike McCarthys recent comments about the Cowboys offense, Kellen Moore. Darrell Henderson, Los Angeles Rams The Falcons general manager said the organization would not close any doors when working to fill out the quarterback position. Episode 7 of the "Top 100 Players of 2022" airs on Sunday, revealing two productive QB-pass catcher combos in the players' list between Nos. Hes totaled 2,692 yards and a whopping 29 touchdowns over the past two seasons while also chipping in with 880 yards out of the backfield. Folks get hung up on statistics and focus more than they should on the pass catching aspect. Hes recorded back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons and combined for 25 rushing touchdowns the past two seasons. Number one fumbling the ball, Elliott said when asked what his No. A year without Drew Brees will ultimately be the telling chapter of Kamaras career. Cameron Artis-Payne is back after carrying the ball 19 times for 69 yards and a touchdown last season, and the Panthers added draft pick Jordan Scarlett and former Georgia running back Elijah Holyfield to the position group this offseason. RB1. Before we get into the full list of which players are making the change, let's take a quick look at what numbers are now available to specific positions. 1 back in the second half of last season on their Super Bowl run. Ive projected a little regression in that stat, but Im expecting more all-purpose yards for Kamara this year. Even with an injury-shortened season, McCaffrey has recorded 3,145 rushing yards, 29 rushing touchdowns, 2,672 receiving yards, and 16 receiving touchdowns in just four years. I rank him above Carlos Hyde simply because he is trending up, while Hydes career is on the back end and he will be a backup to Chris Carson. . Which NFC South team has the best running game heading into the 2020 NFL season? If he falls to you, feel free to take him. 40 and 31. A: . Kenyan Drake, Las Vegas Raiders Although the running back position has become a bit marginalized in recent seasons, the NFC South boasts some of the league's top young backs. Whether in the backfield or lining up in the slot. Saints won, 31-17. The third-round pick had a very productive rookie year in 2020, rushing for 795 yards and scoring an extremely impressive 11 touchdowns. 23. It's that time of year again, when NFL players cast their votes to identify the best in the league heading into the 2022 NFL season. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports. Miles Sanders, Philadelphia Eagles Like, in terms of entire unit, I cant in good faith grade the Panthers #1. window.__mirage2 = {petok:"i3qTWjOb77Y_2FA32To_S3YkBupgZWPCJqJ_QqFFyr0-1800-0"}; Where do the two Arizona Cardinals lead backs in James Conner and Chase Edmonds . It's that time of year again, when NFL players cast their votes to identify the best in the league heading into the 2022 NFL season. Elliott has now hauled in multiple receiving touchdowns and at least 300 receiving yards in four of his five seasons. I don't think the Seahawks get close to the playoff team they've been the past two seasons without him. 1 thing thats my focus this year is protecting the ball.. He also provides an excellent floor because even if the game script isnt favoring the run game, CMC will get plenty of targets through the air. Stevie Scott, Saints RB Alvin Kamara Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR. His importance to the Panthers' offense can't be overstated. Carolina Panthers. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. NFC South Bucs Falcons Panthers Saints NFC West Cardinals 49ers Rams Seahawks Colleges ACC Clemson UNC Big Ten Iowa Michigan Michigan St. Nebraska Ohio St. Penn St. Rutgers Wisconsin Big 12. 2021 Fantasy Tight End Depth Charts: NFC South, Free Agent Tight End Predictions for 2023, Superflex Dynasty Rankings: 2023 Offseason Update, Dynasty Football Rankings: 2023 Offseason Update, Free Agent Wide Receiver Predictions for 2023. I know everyone is waiting for wide receiver rankings, but well wait to see what happens with Julio Jones first. Hes recorded 43 scores on the ground and another 15 through the air, proving to be a touchdown machine in the Saints offense. Who is the best? 2023 NFL Enterprises LLC. Hes recorded 16 total touchdowns on receptions in four seasons and has proven to be an incredibly difficult task to bring down in space. The sky is the limit for Jones as the clear No. Davis finished the year with career highs in snaps, carries (165), yards (642), touchdowns (six) catches (59), receiving yards (373) and receiving touchdowns (two). An asset in both the run and pass games, Chubb racked up 1,217 scrimmage yards and 12 touchdowns last season. Tevin Coleman's departure was one of the few key losses in free agency for the Falcons. His greatest attribute might be his ability to make defenders miss. Alvin Kamara is a ridiculously talented RB more than deserving of his place on the list of top running backs. New Orleans can win games with a . 4. If folks watch the game, theyd see that RoJo has some real skills running the ball inside and out with power, cutting and balance.