He was a mere 4 yards away from 1,000 yards in his rookie season, but more impressively, has averaged 5.2 yards per carry for his entire career. Its for this reason that my favorite strategy is to draft a running back with my first 4 picksregardless of league style (redraft, dynasty, etc.). Were anxiously awaiting multiple returns to the field for some of the leagues top running backs, none more so than Christian McCaffrey. The age listed under each player's name is the age he will be on Sept. 9. With that in mind, Maurice Jones-Drew provides his ranking of the top 10 QB-pass catcher duos heading into 2022. Set it, and forget it. You'll now receive the top Cards Wire stories each day directly in your inbox. Devontae Booker had a decent year as the backup in Las Vegas last season, but the fact of the matter is Barkleys ability to stay on the field will determine how successful their run game is. The veteran NFL running back has been in the league. John Raine, Falcons RB Mike Davis Photo by: USA Today. Once your account is created, you'll be logged-in to this account. The players have spoken. New Orleans Saints defensive end Trey Hendrickson (91) and defensive end Carl Granderson (96) defends on the play at Bank of America Stadium. Continuing my NFC South position group rankings, I've dug into each team's current crop of running backs to determine how they stack up. Though he took a step backward in terms of average yards per carry in Year 2, Jacobs added more dynamics to his game in 2020. Carolina's offense is almost solely on the shoulders of McCaffrey, who may be the only back in the league more versatile than the Saints Kamara. With just 3 fumbles to his credit, hes also a sure-handed first-down machine for Las Vegas. 1 in Green Bay. Losing Mark Ingram in free agency will certainly be felt next season, but the Saints' decision to add Latavius Murray, who gained 578 yards and scored six touchdowns on 140 carries with the Vikings last season, will help mitigate that. Raheem Mostert, San Francisco 49ers Mike Davis Allen made huge jumps in his on-field production, confidence and command of the offense last season. David Montgomery, Chicago Bears Alvin Kamara and Christian McCaffrey have been stars since entering the league in 2017, and Devonta Freeman should be healthy after missing much of the 2018 season. . Ty Montgomery With that in mind, NFL Network analyst Maurice Jones-Drew provides his own ranking of the league's top 10 players 25 and younger heading into the 2021 regular season. He's a fullback, but he belongs on this list. NFL Players By Position - Running Back. Tampa Bay Buccaneers. FILE - Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Leonard Fournette sprints to the end zone to score on a 27-yard touchdown run during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 55 football game against. 27. Earnest Graham, Tampa Bay. Young has the talent to rise to the top of this list one day, but he slots in at No. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. His work may be diminishing in the passing game with Kareem Hunts emergence, but that may play to his real strength of punishing first and second-level defenders on the ground. Let's face it: it is easier to trust a star running back on the upswing of his career than one on his last legs. Akers will likely become the Rams top running back as a rookie. 15. Jamaal Williams, Detroit Lions 28. 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. To qualify, a player will have to be 25 or younger as of Sept. 9, when the 2021 season is scheduled to kick off. 2021 NFL preseason Week 1: What we learned about each NFC team, 2021 NFL preseason Week 1: What we learned about each AFC team, NFL player cuts tracker: Team-by-team roster moves, NFL's 30 best players over 30 entering 2021 season. In his last fully healthy season (2019), the Panthers' running back led the league in touches (403) and scrimmage yards (2,392, third-most in NFL history) and tied for first in scrimmage TDs (19). It was Thomas and he's solid. He may never reach the level of success he saw in his rookie season, but Elliott proves that his place on the roster matters. Until then, however, weve only seen enough from one rookie running back to crack the top 32 in the NFL entering the season. NFC North Starters: Dalvin Cook ( Vikings ), Aaron Jones (. 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. Jeremy Bergman provides five items that he believes should have been handled differently by the "Top 100 Players of 2022" voters. 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. 30 and 21. 30. He has impressed both coaching staffs he has played for immensely. The Saints possess a luxury none of their other division rivals to have in the way of a powerful offensive line that takes over games. 1. The former second-round pick rushed for 867 yards, averaging 5.3 yards per carry, and scored six touchdowns on the ground. The WFT's running back group is led by the versatile 23-year-old Antonio Gibson. Pairing him with a rejuvenated Elliott is going to give the Cowboys not only the best running back group in the NFC East this season, but potentially one of the best groups in all of football. With Tom Brady back, can the Tampa Bay Buccaneers make another Super Bowl run? 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. 24. Not bad for a guy who has bounced around the league for six seasons. A: . The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. Atlanta to tack on more money to their cap savings in 2023 with the release of the veteran quarterback. Your fantasy football league wasnt hosted on Fantrax last season? 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. This man is the alpha and the omega of fantasy running backs. He still finished RB2 for the year because he had 21 total TDs. On this roster, theyre together, and neither has a defined role. His downfield passing improved immensely in 2020, when he completed 26 passes of 20-plus yards, per Next Gen Stats, while also continuing to be a threat in the run game, with at least eight rushing TDs in each of his first three seasons. 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. Davis impressed as McCaffreys backup last year, but now there is limited depth in Carolina. Cowboys free agency 2023: Defensive lineman Arden Key provides versatility at a discount. Seattle won 28-26. The drop in the team's rushing production led the Falcons to part ways with Devonta Freeman this offseason and bring in Gurley, whose own production has slipped because of various injuries, leaving a doubt to how much left he has in the tank. Unthinkable! By all accounts, Elliott has looked great during training camp. Chubb is no stranger to big plays and has scored 30 total touchdowns in just three seasons. New Orleans Saints. McKinnon returns for a third season with the 49ers but has yet to play a single snap in the regular season because of injuries. 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. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. Selecting Texas RB Bijan Robinson at 26 could be a great pick for the Cowboys. Where do the two Arizona Cardinals lead backs in James Conner and Chase Edmonds rank? But Kamara is the prize of the group. I'm projecting a bit here because we don't truly know Ward's role. It's for this reason that my favorite strategy is to draft a running back with my first 4 picksregardless of league style (redraft . 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. Listen to the latest from Cards Wires Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Keith Smith Something went wrong. 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. ALVIN KAMARA, SAINTS. Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Kansas City Chiefs If it were purely up to on-field performance, Dalvin Cook would certainly find himself a bit higher than No. 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. Im higher on Rojo than most but much will depend on what version of Fournette the Bucs get. Chase Edmonds . Jeff Demps. 27. The NFC West has some talented running backs in the conference. Here is my top 10: 1. While the Saints' two-headed monster at running back gives them the advantage over most teams, Kamara may not even be the most dangerous back in his own division. Sanders got off to a slow start, but still finished with some decent numbers. Theres much to do about the top running backs in the NFL entering the 2021 season. And you nailed it, RoJo comes back every year improved. Our resident cover man, Jason McCourty, ranks his top 10. In advance of the finale, Adam Schein provides his own personal top-10 list. With the start of the 2021 NFL regular season less than a month away, we take a stab at ranking the NFC East position groups. If folks watch the game, theyd see that RoJo has some real skills running the ball inside and out with power, cutting and balance. 12:07 left in this one. The NFC West has a number of talented running backs. I would take our 3rd guy (Gio) and likely 2nd guy (Fournette or Rojo) over any other teams backups. 29. He threatens opposing defenses not only out of the backfield but also when lining up both from the slot and outside as a receiver. Pollard is only going to get better as his role in the offense expands. The fifth-year back is a very good, not elite pure runner, but an outstanding pass-catcher. For a reminder of what I look for in each category, click here. Say what?! The addition of Cam Akers shows the Rams arent sure they can count on Henderson as more than a committee running back. This did not stop Barkley from totaling 1,441 yards from scrimmage, 1,003 rushing and 438 receiving, and eight touchdowns. Its imperative to note that we havent seen enough from the rookies slated to see action this year. What everybody is missing from Mike McCarthys recent comments about the Cowboys offense, Kellen Moore. Which NFC South team has the best running game heading into the 2020 NFL season? Tevin Coleman's departure was one of the few key losses in free agency for the Falcons. Which 10 players make up Nos. Expect him to be an even bigger part of Tampa Bay's . But, when you compare the teams running back groups altogether, theres no question the Cowboys have the best group in the division. Brad Hoover, Carolina. Davis finished the year with career highs in snaps, carries (165), yards (642), touchdowns (six) catches (59), receiving yards (373) and receiving touchdowns (two). Cowboys draft 2023: Bijan Robinson should be an exception to not drafting a RB in the first round. But he still can hurt you out of the backfield, at times, as much as any running back in the league. We are looking at overall depth right not starters? Murray is capable of carrying the load for a game or two, and has even made strides at receiver during his time in New Orleans. The former second-overall pick missed three games during 2019, followed up by missing 14 games after tearing his ACL in Week 2 of this past season. 31. 23. Privacy Policy. Spencer Brown 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. 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. Who is the best? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. 21. Austin Ekeler, Los Angeles Chargers The New Orleans Saints have won the last three NFC South titles because they have one of the most talented rosters in the league. He had just under 700 yards rushing and just under 400 yards receiving. 2021 Jones 2021 Thompson 2021 Vaughn 2021 Prentice 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 24 24 24 24 Explore Which team has won the most Super Bowls? Sony Michel, Los Angeles Rams 8 overall draft pick, assets required to get better fast. How do we rank the running backs in the division entering 2020? Vaughn played just 39 special teams snaps last season. Fullback Keith Smith has 12 career rushing attempts, but will mostly just contribute as a blocker. Now entering the final year of his contract, Kamara is expected to command somewhere between McCaffrey's deal and the 4-Yr $50M deal signed by RB Derrick Henry of the Tennessee Titans this week. Im anticipating a negative game script with the running game, considering theyll be down in plenty of 4th quarters. But I think he's going to be the primary ball carrier in an offense that runs often. His second . If hes healthy for 16 games, Barkleys a virtual lock for 1,200 or more rushing yards and tons of explosive plays. 9. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Spotify. He had a brief fumbling problem but is consistent. Gambling problem? Players ranked 40-11 will be revealed Sunday over the course of three hours -- each one-hour episode unveiling a new set of 10 honorees -- beginning at 4 p.m. The Saints not only have a premier running back in Pro Bowler Alvin Kamara, they also have one of the deepest running back rooms in the league. New Orleans can win games with a historically efficient passing attack, a much-improved defense, or a playmaking special teams squad. Below we rank the running backs from the NFC West, starting with the best. Mike Davis was RB18 last year splitting carries with Todd Gurley. Armah comes over from Carolina to be the next Payton fullback and add to New Orleans outstanding special teams. The back-to-back reigning rushing champion tops the list of best running backs in the NFL. I aim to find value at other positions like WR and QB because if I miss on a bet at those positions, I can always trade one of my RBs for a roster weakness during the season. A lot of people like to make it sound as if the Saints didn't have a featured back last year. Behind Sanders, Philadelphia has third-year man Boston Scott and two unproven players in Jason Huntley and Kenneth Gainwell. Dwayne Washington With that in mind, Michael Robinson provides his ranking of the top 10 active undrafted players heading into the 2022 season. Fantasy Fallout: With Gavin Lux Out, Could A Sleeper Emerge? Buccaneers; . All other NFL-related trademarks are trademarks of the National Football League. He makes mincemeat of defensive backs in space while possessing plenty of straight-line speed to outrun just about anyone on the field. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports. Pollard made some explosive plays just like the one shown below. Would love your thoughts, please comment. Alvin Kamara An incredibly important aspect of Minnesotas offensive game plan, as Cook goes, so will the Vikings in 2021. 12. Barkleys first two seasons of full health in New York saw him prove to be a home-run threat at every touch. Michael Carter led film session with running backs as RB coach Taylor Embree and wife welcomed baby . Well see if Atlanta adds anyone before the season, but right now Davis leads a backfield with very little experience or success at the pro level. Then there are RB-friendly systems that will likely see Trey Sermon, Michael Carter, and Kylin Hill as names to know. 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. Quarterback: 1-19 Running back: 1-49,. He is great in short-yardage situations and can break away. 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. Antonio Gibson showed tons of promise in his rookie season, and JD McKissic is coming off a career year. 6. The other nine are 25 or younger. Ashton answer's your questions in this Friday mailbag. Darrell Henderson, Los Angeles Rams Let us know in the comments section what you think of our rankings. 1. Hell turn a routine carry into a long touchdown within the simplest crease in the offensive line. James Robinson, Jacksonville Jaguars With such a talented defense and a quarterback prone to turnovers, Washington likely will rely heavily on their running game this year to carry the load for their offense. Though they do it in different ways, one thing is for sure about these top 10 theyre a threat to take it to the house on every play. Jan 5, 2020; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (41) runs the ball for a touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings during the second quarter of a NFC Wild Card playoff football game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. (via @NFL) pic.twitter.com/hIRCqWUuda. Michael Turner, Atlanta. They finished RB39 and RB15, respectively, last year. But that's not going to last much longer. Tampa Bays top four running backs are as locked in as any teams, but finding a real role for Vaughn when the season begins remains a mystery. Najee Harris, Pittsburgh Steelers, XFL Fantasy Football Rankings Week 2: Josh Gordon, Jeff Badet, Max Borghi, and More, Final Fantasy PPR Rankings for the NFL Playoffs: Tony Pollard, Ezekiel Elliott, James Cook, and More, NFL All-Time RB Records: Season and Career Leaders, College football Week 6 live reactions, results, and takeaways. Gibson also caught 36 passes for 247 yards, bringing his total yards to 1,042 in just 14 games. I dont entirely know what to make of Mike Davis. Theres even more to do about whether or not running backs matter entering the year. Hes recorded 43 scores on the ground and another 15 through the air, proving to be a touchdown machine in the Saints offense. Prosise Mikey Daniel 40 and 31. It is important to note that Los Angeles Rams running back Cam Akers will not be on the list, as he tore his Achilles and will not play this coming season. Jon Ledyard is PewterReport.com's newest Bucs beat writer and has experience covering the Pittsburgh Steelers as a beat writer and analyzing the NFL Draft for several draft websites, including The Draft Network. 4 on this list. NFL Network's "Top 100 Players of 2021" continues Sunday, Aug. 22. Please check your email for a confirmation. The team could be hoping for a breakout year with Jones, but the combination of him and Barber isn't too frightening. DAndre Swift, Detroit Lions The 27-year-old Fournette is a 6-foot and 228-Lb. The NFL voted this offseason to relax its restrictions on what number positional players can wear and folks are wasting no time calling dibs on a new look heading into 2021. Metcalf has delivered in every aspect since he walked shirtless into a meeting at the 2019 NFL Scouting Combine with the team that would later draft him. Derrick Ward, Tampa Bay. The third-round pick had a very productive rookie year in 2020, rushing for 795 yards and scoring an extremely impressive 11 touchdowns. 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. Jonathan Stewart, Carolina. Montgomery has ideal traits for a Sean Payton offense, while Washington has flashed a few times in his career, and is a key special teamer. Saints won, 31-17. Damien Harris, New England Patriots bucs Drake has yet to put together a great full season, but will get his chance as the Cardinals No. If Zeke wants to regain his All-Pro form, his number one priority must be protecting the football. 24 Year Old Running Backs 2021 In Nfc South | StatMuse Ronald Jones was 24 years old in the NFC South in 2021. 2 back is. The NFC West has some talented running backs in the conference. 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. Carolina was held below 100 yards rushing seven times last season and went 2-5 in those contests. At just 24 years old, Barkley is just getting started. His greatest attribute might be his ability to make defenders miss. @EzekielElliott's ready to go in 2021. : @ProFootballHOF Game on FOX pic.twitter.com/5UU3CkoIro. The combination of Kamara, Murray and Washington gives New Orleans a pretty complete backfield trio. Episode 9 of the "Top 100 Players of 2022" airs on Sunday, revealing the highest-ranked undrafted player in the players' list between Nos.