This is the ninth post in a series that will delve in to each NFL position, ranking the top 12 for all. After each has been dissected, I will give my final top 12 players in the NFL. To see the previous post in the series, click here.
These guys can physically carry their teams on their backs to victory. Known as "workhorses", running backs take carry after carry, getting those tough one or two yards that make the difference in winning and losing. They also happen to be the stars of Fantasy football. So there's that right? The "life" span of an NFL running back is the shortest of any position except only wide receiver, averaging just about three years. They get banged up pretty badly. There is a reason they're called workhorses. Seems like they get put more on their shoulders than anyone except maybe QB. It's a long and tiring job, and those who break the 1k mark should be respected.
I will say this list took me about ten minutes to finish which was super quick compared to my usual 30 minutes of deciding who made the list and where. And it's not so much that there is a significant drop off in quality. Was just a super easy list to compile. Some very good runners didn't make it sadly. But I'm more satisfied with this 12 man list more than any other one I've done thus far (not that I'm not happy with the other lists I've done).
Spoiler: this is the first list to feature a rookie. I'm very excited about some prospects entering their first year in 2017. While I don't think they will be the next Zeke Elliott, the impact they *could* have on the league is an exciting idea.
One honorable mention: Christian McCaffery of the Carolina Panthers. He was originally on my list but then I realized I'd forgotten an obvious star that without a doubt had to be on the list or else I'd get murdered (and rightfully so). But this guy looks impressive. Another great prospect that could be a great fit in Carolina.
*In case you wonder why a player is on the list or why he is so high, some of these players are where they are based on how I think they will do in 2017. I will be including past achievements and experience - but not as much. So if you see someone that surprises you, it could be that I think they are set to explode this upcoming season.
*Fullbacks are eligible for this list
Key:
- RB = Running Back
- Yds = Rushing Yards
- Att = Attempts
- Avg = Average Yards per Attempt
- TD = Tochdowns
- DNP = Did Not Play
Let's get to this list shall we?
Top NFL Running Backs 2017
12. Marshawn Lynch - Oakland Raiders (2007)
2016: DNP
The old man is BACK people. After shockingly retiring in 2015, Beast Mode is back - but no longer the star in Seattle. Instead he's gone south to Oakland, adding more star power to an already potent offense. While I wasn't sure what to think about this come back (two years is a lot of aging in football - specially for a running back). The more I've thought about it though, I've talked myself into believing that Lynch can reproduce some of his old play. Why? Well his style for one. Like a big receiver, his tough, physical style is what's gotten him to success. NOT speed (although he was never "slow"). But that's also a negative, as backs who are physical retire faster as they get older, getting injured because of their violent play. But if Lynch is half the Beast he was, that will be enough to make a difference in Oakland, opening up the lanes for Derek Carr and crew.
Proj. 2017: 850+ Yds; 230+ Att; 3.9+ Avg; 7 TD
11. Todd Gurley - LA Rams (2015)
2016: 886 Yds; 278 Att; 3.2 Avg; 6 TD
Yup. It was a disappointing 2016 campaign after setting the NFL world on fire after a fabulous 2015 rookie year for Gurley. Maybe Gurley just crashed down to earth. More than that maybe he needs it. I believe in Gurley. I think most do actually. There aren't to many worried about his 2017 outlook. I probably have Gurley lower then most would have him. Let's just say there are ten other backs I prefer.
Proj. 2017: 1,000+ Yds; 265+ Att; 3.9+ Avg; 9 TD
10. Jay Ajayi - Miami Dolphins (2015)
2016: 1,272 Yds; 261 Att; 4.9 Avg; 8 TD (15 games)
I know. A case could be made for Jay to be higher here. I wouldn't argue it to much either. But color me skeptical when a player suddenly emerges and everyone banks on him, only for that player to turn back around and into a bust who was a one hit wonder. Do I want to have Jay higher? I really do. Heck I've got a rookie above him. If Ajayi does at least 1,000 yds along with 5+ TD's, I'll boost him up next year - assuming no other backs deserve to be higher after '17. But hey. Ajayi is a top ten back. Most kids only dream of that. He can do it. But I wanna see it happen again.
Proj. 2017: 1,100+ Yds; 270+ Att; 4.2+ Avg; 9 TD
9. Leonard Fournette - Jacksonville Jaguars (2017)
2016: DNP
The rookie that's getting all the hype this year. Rightfully so. But let's not put so much on the kid's shoulders that he can't even stand. We all want another Ezekiel Elliott to show this year, I get it. But not everyone will be the next Zeke. Now pressures and expectations aside - I expect (haha) Fournette to have an immediate impact on the league, taking some much needed pressure off QB Blake Bortles. Will Fournette lead all backs in yards like rookie sensation Zeke Elliott did last year? Probably not. It'd be really cool. But probably not. Will he be in the top five? More likely.
Proj. 2017: 1250+ Yds; 280 Att; 4.6+ Avg; 9 TD
8. Melvin Gordon - LA Chargers (2015)
2016: 997 Yds; 254 Att; 3.9 Avg; 10 TD (13 games)
Drafted in 2015, Gordon was given high expectations for his rookie year along side LA Rams rookie Todd Gurley (see #11). Well, 2015 was an abysmal year for Gordon while Gurley soared to stardom. Gordon had just over 600 rushing yards, 0 touchdowns, a horrid 6 fumbles, and then the cherry on top: a season ending injury. Well that rookie season went in the trash bin real quick, real fast. Gordon undergoes surgery. How would he fare in his return? There were lots of people wondering that's for sure.
Fast forward to August 2017: Todd Gurley was a major disappointment in 2016 with many suddenly asking about him. And Gordon? A fantasy stud in 2016. 10 TD's, three yards shy of 1000, and over 400 receiving yards. That was all in 13 games. Had he finished the season, he was on pace for 1200+ yds, 12 TD's, and 310+ att. That would have put him in the top ten of yards, 5th in TD's, and 2nd in attempts. Of course no more what could haves. Gordon really shined when the other backs in the stable went down with injuries, forcing the-then San Diego Chargers to give Gordon a heavier workload. Well let me tell you it paid off. After two years under his belt, I can't imagine Gordon regressing, but instead getting closer to the runner he was back in college but at an all-pro level.
Proj. 2017: 1300+ Yds; 300+ Att; 4.4+ Avg; 14 TD
7. Devonta Freeman - Atlanta Falcons (2014)
2016: 1,079 Yds; 227 Att; 4.8 Avg; 11 TD
You know what's crazy? Freeman had to split time evenly with co-back Tevin Coleman. Together they tore up the NFL running game, creating the #1 duo in the league. But think about it. He split time with Tevin Coleman. Like, he had 1k+ yds, 200+ attempts, and 11 TD's. That's not even including the passing stats. So in a normal featured back-third down back situation, the featured back does just a little better then Freeman did whilst not being the featured back. The dude most certainly took advantages of his touches. Let's break Coleman's stats in half and give them to Freeman making it a 3-1 ratio rather than half and half (Freeman was still the better back even within the split) and Freeman finishes with 1,300+ Yds, 286 att, a 4.7 avg, and 15 TD's. So that's the kinda of running back Freeman is if given a full lead role. Again, regardless of the stats, he's an elite back that is feared across the board. Should we even get into the receiving stats?
Doesn't hurt:
54 rec, 462 yds, 8.6 avg, 2 TD's.
This little ball of speed also had one heck of a game in the Super Bowl (13-121-1). Sadly, it was all in vain.
Proj. 2017: 1,000+ Yds; 200+ Att; 5.1+ Avg; 9 TD
6. Jordan Howard - Chicago Bears (2016)
2016: 1,313 Yds; 252 Att; 5.2 Avg; 6 TD (15 games)
I think it's so awesome that last seasons rushing leaders were two rookies. Howard is an exciting young player that finally gives Chicago fans something to cheer about amidst the depression that's been lasting for the last six years, with each year getting worse seemingly. Totaling 1600+ yds in his rookie season, Howard can become an anchor for Chicago, acting as a player they can build an offense around.
Proj. 2017: 1450+ Yds; 270+ Att; 5.5+ Avg; 10 TD
5. Demarco Murray - Tennessee Titans (2011)
2016: 1,287 Yds; 293 Att; 4.4 Avg; 9 TD
Murray is so sneaky I feel. It's like no one talks about him as much as the other backs but then the end of the year finishes and he's once again in the top five of multiple categories while being in the top ten of pretty much every category. He doesn't seem that fast either but then breaks off for a 70+ yd run, spinning around, and bruising his way through defender after defender. Just ask Green Bay how good this guy is. Maybe 123 yards rushing, receiving and passing helps show the triple threat this guy is. He truly is one of the greats in the NFL right now and to me is the NFL definition of "workhorse". He's also a threat in the passing game - apparently as a receiver *and* a passer. Definitely deserved his top 40 ranking on the Top 100 list (33rd).
Proj. 2017: 1,350+ Yds; 300+ Att; 4.6+ Avg; 11 TD
4. LeSean McCoy - Buffalo Bills (2009)
2016: 1,267 Yds; 234 Att; 5.4 Avg; 13 TD (15 games)
Shady hasn't seemed to slow down one bit since entering the league in '09 and may be in fact better since his transfer from the City of Brotherly Love to the snowy city of Buffalo. While his 2011 season with Philly was out of this world, his two years in NY has been quite effective, and he seems even more comfortable after year two. Doing his usual smooth running, he makes defenders slip and slide regardless of the weather and conditions, leading to an league #1 ranked rushing attack for two straight years under a "ground£" style with former coach Rex Ryan. Hopefully Buffalo continues to center it's attack around this elite player regardless of the coaching staff.
The NFL and I seem to agree on who the top five backs are in the league - but the order in which we believe them to sit couldn't be more different. We do at least agree on Murray and McCoy as fifth and fourth respectively though (McCoy was 27th).
Proj. 2017: 1,250+ Yds; 225+ Att; 5.7+ Avg; 11 TD
3. Ezekiel Elliott - Dallas Cowboys (2016)
2016: 1,631 Yds; 322 Att; 5.1 Avg; 15 TD
I don't get how the players honestly think Elliott is the 7th best overall player in the league - let alone the #1 running back. Remember when RGIII was the 13th ranked player in 2013? We all know what happened to him after that. Let's not make the same mistake again. That said, Elliott won't be the next RGIII, but he also isn't the best at the position. There are two backs that are better then he. It's as simple as that. A ridiculous NFL best 1,631 yards along with the most attempts and a third best 15 TD's in 2016, Elliott will and should be the focal point in Dallas. NOT Dak Prescott. Electric, fast, and super athletic, Elliott is part of the most feared threesome of backs in the NFL, but is still the last out of those three nonetheless. Why? They are better and Elliott was just a rookie last year. The fact that he's already part of the top three after one season is amazing. The king though? Not so fast.
I did drafted him in fantasy so he better win that appeal...
Cough*Goodell*Cough.
What? I didn't say anything...
Proj. 2017: 1,500+ Yds; 310+ Att; 4.9 Avg; 14 TD
2. Le'Veon Bell - Pittsburgh Steelers (2013)
2016: 1,268 Yds; 261 Att; 4.9 Avg; 7 TD (12 games)
Bell should have led the NFL in rushing yards and attempts in 2016. But a suspension and a week 17 non-play effected his totals. Luckily, Pittsburgh nation finally got to hear the Bells ring in January. What does that sound like? How bout 357 yards, a 5.5 avg on 65 carries and 2 touchdowns. Music to your ears Steeler fans? Thought so.
We all know Bell's greatest strength: His patience. We've heard it a thousand times. But it is. He's created a style of play that I've never seen before. He almost topped my list or at least tied with my #1 back. Alas he falls *just* short of that. He's so nip and tuck with David Johnson. But after rewatching the tape, I feel Johnson is the better overall player (spoiler - Johnson is #1). That said, Bell tore the NFL up in 2016 that included a 3 TD-298 yard performance on a blizzard like day against Buffalo. That's 31.6 fantasy points if those stats don't show you how awe dropping. I was the unlucky guy who happened to face the team in my league who had Bell that week. Needless to say I got my butt handed to me.
Why God. Just... Why...
Finishing second in the NFL with over 1,800+ total yards from scrimmage (guess who was first?), he's the second most complete back in the league - his moves, strength, and speed. It's unbelievable. I love watching this guy play. You could make me a movie compilation of Le'Veon Bell's greatest plays and I'd be satisfied for weeks.
I didn't end up getting around to it, but I was hoping on doing an in-depth look at this stellar back's playing style that hundreds of youngsters will be trying (and failing) to mimic for decades from now. I guarantee it. Like Joe Namath, I'll be right too. The "Bell" technique they'll call it. Believe me. Believe me. It's gonna be HUGE...
Proj. 2017: 1,300+ Yds; 225+ Att; 5.7+ Avg; 11 TD
Proj. 2017 Total Stats: 1,950+ Yds; 290+ Att; 6.7+ Avg; 17 TD
1. David Johnson - Arizona Cardinals (2015)
Proj. 2017: 1,239 Yds; 293 Att; 4.2 Avg; 16 TD
*2016 League leader in yards from scrimmage (2,118) and in total touchdowns (20) except for QB's
He's "beast moding" an entire New England Patriots defense on one play, then using shear speed against the San Fransisco 49ers, to making elite catches against #1 cornerbacks in Seattle, and then shifting and leaping over one player after another versus Carolina and a dozen other teams. Just watch the video. Then watch the play that put Johnson on the map in 2015. How this guy didn't win Offensive Player of the year astounds me. He led the NFL in total yards and TD's. Tell me how that DOESN'T qualify you for that honor.
Let me ask you this: what can't this David Johnson do?
Now what say you? That's what I thought.
He's the most complete back in the NFL. Period. He does things that running backs shouldn't be able to do. He runs like a back should but the very next play he's lined up out wide face to face with that teams top corner. That in and of itself isn't weird, but that he goes toe to toe with them, and then beats them, making catches only the elite WR's make. Or how he adjusts himself, shifting around to take down one defender at a time. To me, he's the NFL's secret assassin. From now on I'm calling him that.
He's naturally a quiet and humble man, coming from a troubled background, lived in a halfway house, became a devout Christian, went to college and is now being featured on the front of big name magazines. Hollywood material right there. Can't make it up. And that's without going into all the details of his life thus far.
I just hope to God that Arizona doesn't botch up the talent he's got this year. They did it right in 2016. Let's see them create their entire team around this guy for years to come.
Proj. 2017: 1,350+ Yds; 300+ Att; 4.6+ Avg; 14 TD
Proj. 2017 Total Stats: 2,000+ Yds; 360+ Touches; 5.6 Avg; 19 TD