Because so many types of Running Backs are now able to have success in the NFL, many teams have begun to take advantage of the diverse weapons at their disposal by rotating in different backs for different situations.
However, when the game is on the line, every team will have their feature back that will be on the field. So stay put Maurice Jones-Drew, sorry Chester Taylor, sit down Reggie Bush; the other guy is getting the carry this down as this list ranks every team’s top Running Back.
Elite
1. LaDainian Tomlinson – San Diego Chargers – Undeniably the best, most consistent, all-around RB in the NFL.
2. Brian Westbrook – Philadelphia Eagles – League’s most dangerous receiver out of the backfield has become an elite runner despite diminutive stature tallying 2,104 total yards in 2007.
3. Adrian Peterson – Minnesota Vikings – Could dethrone Tomlinson by year’s end if he maintains consistency. Reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year rushed for 296 yards against Chargers but failed to reach 100 yards in each of the final four games.
4. Steven Jackson – St. Louis Rams – Monster 2006 campaign was followed up by disappointing, injury marred season last year. However, when healthy he’s a big, fast, versatile back who is a legitimate threat to put up 2,000 total yards every year.
Solid5. Willie Parker – Pittsburgh Steelers – Unheralded runner had third straight 1,200 yard season and could have been NFL rushing champion if not for broken fibia suffered in Week 16.
6. Larry Johnson – Kansas City Chiefs – Missed half of the season with injury and struggled when healthy due in part to poor Offensive Line play. Still, he had back-to-back 1,700 seasons before last season and is league’s most punishing runner.
7. Clinton Portis – Denver Broncos - Bounced back with 1,651 total yards in 2007 but had career low 3.9 yards per carry and has a lot of tread on the tires.
8. Frank Gore – San Francisco 49ers – Had 1,538 total yards and six TDs in what was considered a down year for him last season.
9. Willis McGahee – Baltimore Ravens – Had a strong first season in Baltimore despite suspect QB play.
10. Fred Taylor – Jacksonville Jaguars - With Maurice Jones-Drew sharing the backfield, he has become more effective and is closing in on Jim Brown on all-time rushing list.
11. Joseph Addai – Indianapolis Colts – Peyton Manning keeps defenses from ever stacking the box, and Addai has taken advantage. Has also become a legitimate receiver out of the backfield.
12. Marshawn Lynch – Buffalo Bills – Had impressive rookie season despite missing three games and garnering almost all the attention of opposing defenses.
13. Jamal Lewis – Cleveland Browns – Had a resurgent 1,300-yard season in Cleveland, but may not have much left in the tank.
14. Marion Barber – Dallas Cowboys – Punishing running style is a treat to watch. Now will get chance to carry full load and there’s little that suggests he won’t be able to.
15. Edgerrin James – Arizona Cardinals – Had solid 2007 campaign but hasn’t been the player he was in Indianapolis. Fans and coaches hope he doesn’t catch Shaun Alexander disease.
16. Ronnie Brown – Miami Dolphins – Was having a simply awesome season before severe knee injury ended what was on pace to being a 2,265 yard season. Can he bounce back?
17. Brandon Jacobs – New York Giants – He is by far the biggest RB in the NFL, but still has surprisingly good vertical speed. He missed 5 games last season and still finished with over 1,000 yards.
18. Laurence Maroney – New England Patriots – Patriots’ pass-happy offense hurts numbers; Maroney would be a 1,000-yard runner on a different team.
19. Ryan Grant – Green Bay Packers – Fantastic second half of season solved Packers’ rushing problems. If he can carry the load for a whole season, consider him a franchise back.
20. Earnest Graham – Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Has a nose for the end zone. Took over for injured Cadillac Williams and thrived behind emerging Bucs Offensive Line.
Adequate
21. Thomas Jones – New York Jets – Additions of veteran Linemen Alan Faneca and Damien Woody, along with continued improvement by D’Brickashaw Ferguson and Nick Mangold could lead to a big bounce back season.
22. Deuce McAllister – New Orleans Saints – His presence takes pressure off of Reggie Bush, but he may not be ready for start of 2008 season after yet another knee surgery.
23. Rudi Johnson – Cincinnati Bengals – Hamstring injury led to bad season last year, but rotation with Kenny Watson could increase effectiveness at this stage in his career.
24. LenDale White – Tennessee Titans – Proved doubters wrong with good season for Titans. Improved conditioning could allow him to really capitalize on talent and blocking.
25. Justin Fargas – Oakland Raiders – Is a good fit in Raiders’ zone-blocking scheme and had career year in 2007. Al Davis didn’t seem to notice or care and drafted Darren McFadden anyway.
26. Julius Jones – Seattle Seahawks – Signed to replace Shaun Alexander, is a talented runner who fell out of favor in Dallas due to poor work ethic.
27. Michael Turner – Atlanta Falcons – Possibly a boom or bust signing for Atlanta. Was very solid in spell duty, but then again, so was LaMont Jordan.
28. Ahman Green – Houston Texans – Missed 10 games with knee problems, is 31 and has competition in camp, but is still a proven starter who fits Shanahan’s one-cut scheme.
29. Selvin Young – Denver Broncos – One-cut back who didn’t get drafted but bizarrely did well running the ball for the Broncos…sound familiar?
30. DeAngelo Williams – Carolina Panthers – Former first round Scatback hasn’t been impressive enough to earn coaches trust, hence the drafting of bruiser Jonathan Stewart.
Fringe
31. Tatum Bell – Detroit Lions – Detroit will try to employ a zone-blocking scheme in 2008, which gives Bell one last chance to shine since leaving Denver, but rookie Kevin Smith will push him if he doesn’t produce.
Rookies
32. Matt Forte – Chicago Bears – Was a hugely productive, yet under-the-radar RB at Tulane. Cedric Benson’s release gives Forte a chance to make immediate impact.
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