The Panthers crown jewel. Can he be a regular special teamer? In terms of the entire units right now, I take theRead more . Tony Brooks-James 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. Reggie Bonnafon However, he only had one regular season game last year with more than 14 carries. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. 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. Mike Davis 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. It was Thomas and he's solid. Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Kansas City Chiefs 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. Hubbard was a solid mid round choice and could prove to be a capable #2but hes just that right now: an unproven mid-round rookiebasically their version of KeShawn Vaughn last season. Freeman should be back healthy for 2019, and the Falcons are a better team with him on the field. 3. If Zeke wants to regain his All-Pro form, his number one priority must be protecting the football. Gibson also caught 36 passes for 247 yards, bringing his total yards to 1,042 in just 14 games. Prosise 50-41? Who was the top rookie? 2023 PewterReport.com All Rights Reserved. Shouldnt both be equally important? 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. Nonetheless, the running game is important to every teams offense. That wont change. A daily roundup of all your Dallas Cowboys news from Blogging The Boys, By submitting your email, you agree to our, Blogging The Boys, a Dallas Cowboys fan community, Ranking the NFC East position groups: Running backs, Report: Cowboys prepared to place franchise tag on Tony Pollard if no deal reached by Tuesday. He has speed and power, just needs to keep working to find his role. 28. The WFTs running back group is led by the versatile 23-year-old Antonio Gibson. Further, Mike Evans, Antonio Brown, and Chris Godwin deserve their fair share of targets too. 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. A lot of people like to make it sound as if the Saints didn't have a featured back last year. Gonzalez recalls matchup with Drake London during his days with Colorado. Vaughn played just 39 special teams snaps last season. Edmonds will be the unquestioned No. The Falcons general manager said the organization would not close any doors when working to fill out the quarterback position. 287-1,387 yards, (4.8), 15 touchdowns, (6x 100-Yd games), 116 receptions, 1,005 yards, 4 touchdowns, (2x 100-Yd games), 219-1,098, yards (5.0), 7 touchdowns, (4x 100-Yd games), 107 receptions, 867 yards, 6 touchdowns, (2x 100-Yd games), 172-724 yards (4.2) 6 touchdowns (1 100-Yd game), 2 consecutive 1,000-Yd rushing season + 21 touchdowns at Vanderbilt, 223-857 yards (3.8) 12 touchdowns (0s 100-Yd games), 256-1,251 yards (4.9) 17 touchdowns (6x 100-Yd games), 171-797 yards (4.7) 5 touchdowns (0x 100-Yd games), 81 receptions 533 yards 1 touchdown (0x 100-Yd games), 194-883 yards (4.6) 14 touchdowns (1x 100-Yd game), 81 receptions 709 yards 4 touchdowns (2x 100-Yd games), 146-647 yards (4.4) 5 touchdowns (2x 100-Yd games), 140-578 yards (4.1) 6 touchdowns (1x 100-Yd game). Hoover's not quite as dominant a blocker as Mughelli, but he's been very solid and dependable for a long time. Who has the best running backs in the NFC East? Fullback Keith Smith has 12 career rushing attempts, but will mostly just contribute as a blocker. 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 Panthers. DAndre Swift, Detroit Lions Ollison and Brooks-James have combined for 33 career carries, and Hawkins and Huntley are rookies. Gambling problem? Please check your email for a confirmation. The competition with Fournette should produce a formidable tandem and best in our division. Tony Jones No, he's not a true running back. 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. Chubb is no stranger to big plays and has scored 30 total touchdowns in just three seasons. Dillon is waiting in the wings in the Green Bay running backs room. 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. 6. Of course, with Alvin Kamara still around it doesn't much matter who the No. 27 years old. 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. Your email address will not be published. Its taken him a couple seasons, but hes our best pure runner. After rushing for more than 1,100 yards in 2018, he topped that with 1,230 in 2019. But it remains to be seen, after he's missed time each of the last two seasons, if Freeman can stay on the field. Alvin Kamara and Christian McCaffrey have been stars . Michael Carter led film session with running backs as RB coach Taylor Embree and wife welcomed baby . Troymaine Pope. The other nine are 25 or younger. Its imperative to note that we havent seen enough from the rookies slated to see action this year. Alvin Kamara However, in 13 games he only managed to get 39 carries. 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. When you carry the ball, you kind of carry the whole hope of the whole team, organization and fan base. 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. The players have spoken. The Cowboys head coach made some comments about the offense that deserve a closer look as they seemed to have been misinterpreted. So, who are the best wide receivers in football entering the 2022 season? 2 back in Arizona this season behind Kenyan Drake. Darius Clark Say what?! Give him 325 carries and he'll give you 1,500 yards. Mandatory Credit: Derick Hingle-USA TODAY Sports. An elusive rusher, Hunt is perhaps even better through the air and after the catch. Saints then Panthers, because of the depth. Terms at draftkings.com/sportsbook. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. bulldozer with underrated open field agility. Chase Edmonds . 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. With today's high-flying NFL offenses, it's a golden era for pass catchers. AS you noted, McCafferty was injured most of last season and I believe his imjuries were attributable to overuse. Would love your thoughts, please comment. Jameis at the helm would provide significant upside in both categories. He now will share carries with Carlos Hyde but should still be the Seahawks main runner and biggest producer. Which 10 players make up Nos. Simply put, the NFC South is an absolute terror at the running back position, as any opposing defense can readily attest. Dominating the game's top defensive backs with ease week in and week out, Metcalf is becoming the gold standard at the receiver position. 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. (via @NFL) pic.twitter.com/hIRCqWUuda. 1 back against the Giants showed he can be good. In 2020, it looks a little different as Todd Gurley and David Johnson are no longer in the division. Home | Ranking The NFC South: Running Backs. He's going to be a dynamo in Matt Rhule's offense, helping Sam Darnold make a leap in 2021. 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. Since entering the league in 2018, Chubb has forced 168 missed tackles, second-most in the NFL behind only Derrick Henry, according to Pro Football Focus. #WASvsDAL pic.twitter.com/i0xSK7ZDMN. The Buccaneers were held below 100 yards rushing in eight games last season but hope for the maturity of former 2nd round pick Jones and this years addition of 3rd round sleeper Vaughan, both power backs with good open-field speed. Alex Armah I expect RB26 and RB28 this year with a full year together. Alvin Kamara is a ridiculously talented RB more than deserving of his place on the list of top running backs. 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 //]]> Having a player like Chubb in the backfield makes life a lot easier for Baker Mayfield and the rest of the offense. He's still going to get plenty of carries in a ball-control offense and could even get some time at fullback. Cowboys free agency 2023: Defensive lineman Arden Key provides versatility at a discount. Covers the New Orleans Saints as contributing writer for Saints News Network. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports. C.J. 1 running back in 2020. If you cough it up and give it to the other team, youre letting everyone down so I mean thats the No. Mason Stokke. 13. What sets McCaffrey apart isnt that hes a great runner, although he certainly is. Agree. 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. 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. Antonio Gibson, Washington Football Team While Gurley looks to recapture the form that made him the NFL's most productive RB just a few seasons ago and Jones looks to establish himself, it appears that 2020 will once again be a battle between Alvin Kamara and Christian McCaffrey for running back supremacy in the NFC South. You'll now receive the top Cards Wire stories each day directly in your inbox. Joe Mixon, Cincinnati Bengals Arizona Cardinals Top RBs under contract for 2022: Eno Benjamin Key free agents: James Conner (UFA), Chase Edmonds (UFA), Jonathan Ward (ERFA) Conner was a revelation in the desert, racking up 18. 17. He had a brief fumbling problem but is consistent. But that's not going to last much longer. An incredibly important aspect of Minnesotas offensive game plan, as Cook goes, so will the Vikings in 2021. He also has quads you should google right at this moment. 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. Brad Hoover, Carolina. His performance as the No. Then there are RB-friendly systems that will likely see Trey Sermon, Michael Carter, and Kylin Hill as names to know. He has requested a trade as he, who signed a three-year contract last offseason, would like to be paid more like his fellow running backs on the team. Have to say the addition of Bernard was a surprise and a significant upgrade over McCoy. Which NFC South team has the best running game heading into the 2020 NFL season? 10-1? 32. Still, this is McCaffrey's show. Elliott has now hauled in multiple receiving touchdowns and at least 300 receiving yards in four of his five seasons. Fournette had an attitude change after his chatRead more . Which RB enters the season atop the list? It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. Jackson is a proven winner, too. But I think he's going to be the primary ball carrier in an offense that runs often. Atlanta has been held to less than 100 yards rushing in 22 of their last 32 games, including 12 games last season. 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. Drake has yet to put together a great full season, but will get his chance as the Cardinals No. Privacy Policy. 1 in Green Bay. NFL Players By Position - Running Back. With just 3 fumbles to his credit, hes also a sure-handed first-down machine for Las Vegas. NFL Network's "Top 100 Players of 2021" continues Sunday, Aug. 22. Behind Freeman the Falcons have a lot of different options to work with. Falcons just have to be careful not to overuse him this year. It would not be the same as drafting a RB with the fourth overall pick. All Rights Reserved. Were anxiously awaiting multiple returns to the field for some of the leagues top running backs, none more so than Christian McCaffrey. Expect more usage from the powerful Latavius Murray after his second offseason in the team's system along with a big rebound in performance from Alvin Kamara. Elliott spoke back in July about how not fumbling is his No. A quality running back is a scarce fantasy asset. The guy is a monster off the edge and will be great for a long time. McCaffrey is the only running back in NFL history to record back-to-back seasons with at least 100 catches from 2018 to 2019. DeAngelo Williams, Carolina. Like, in terms of entire unit, I cant in good faith grade the Panthers #1. Rodney Smith The fifth-year back is a very good, not elite pure runner, but an outstanding pass-catcher. He had six 100-yard games last season. He would have easily been a 1000 yard back if not for CoRead more , Youre seeing our RBs the same way I do Dr.D. Top 125 Starting Pitcher Rankings for 2023 Fantasy Baseball, Fantasy Baseball Dynasty League Strategy for 2023, NL Spring Training Battles with Fantasy Relevance, 10 Players Most Likely to See Their ADP Change Based on Spring Training Performance, FantraxHQ 2023 Fantasy Baseball Draft Kit, Top 300 Fantasy Baseball Dynasty Rankings, Compete for Cash Prizes in a Fantrax Classic Draft Contest, Get ready for the season with a mock draft on Fantrax.com, Create your own league or join an existing league with Fantrax Commissioner. 8 overall draft pick, assets required to get better fast. New Orleans Saints. New Orleans can win games with a historically efficient passing attack, a much-improved defense, or a playmaking special teams squad. 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. 1. If he falls to you, feel free to take him. Which team had the most players ranked? When you login first time using a Social Login button, we collect your account public profile information shared by Social Login provider, based on your privacy settings. Quarterback: 1-19Running back: 1-49, 80-89Wide receiver/tight end: 1-49, 80-89Offensive line: 50-79Defensive line: 50-79, 90-99Linebacker: 1-59, 90-99Defensive backs: 1-49Kicker/punter: 1-19. His production has resulted in two Super Bowl appearances (one win), a league MVP award in 2018 and a contract extension worth nearly half a billion dollars. Your fantasy football league wasnt hosted on Fantrax last season? Are we talking the entire unit as a whole and comparing the sum of their parts? His second half of 2019 showed what he could be. 12. 2. The latter question aside, there are plenty of valuable assets in the backfield of every NFL team. But Kamara is the prize of the group. 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 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. I tend to avoid taking either of them, but you cant deny there will be weeks that one of them will win you matchups. With Tom Brady back, can the Tampa Bay Buccaneers make another Super Bowl run? He's anchored the Colts' offensive line -- one of the NFL's premier units since Nelson was drafted -- having allowed a measly three sacks in as many seasons, per PFF. 15. 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. They also look for improved play from their young offensive line to establish their running game and have a more balanced offensive attack. 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. 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. 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. Posted by ESPN.com's Pat Yasinskas We'll continue our NFC South positional rankings today with running backs. Steven Jackson . 1. Needing to replenish depth, the Cowboys should look into free agent defensive lineman Arden Key. It seems like Tony Pollard will be with the Cowboys at least through 2023. Its fair to question if this drop in pass-catching production was more due to the instability and poor play at the quarterback position rather than Sanders individual production. 16. Ill be honest. He may never reach the level of success he saw in his rookie season, but Elliott proves that his place on the roster matters. We also get your email address to automatically create an account for you in our website. Hunt was terrific in Kansas City for his first two seasons, totaling well over 2,100 yards on the ground and 16 touchdowns. Co-Host of the Bayou Blitz Podcast. He's down 10 pounds. I never like these RB unit rankings because are we weighting the guys in the unit differently? 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. Follow Ledyard on Twitter at @LedyardNFLDraft. 12:07 left in this one. Oops. Hyde returns to the NFC West, having begun his NFL career with the San Francisco 49ers. Kamara was able to produce nearly 800 rushing yards despite missing three games but his touchdowns and receiving yardage both fell off from the previous two years because he was hampered by knee and ankle injuries. As long as Jackson is on the field, Baltimore will have a chance. Despite having the seventh-worst rushing offense in football last season, according to Pro Football Focus, Eagles running back Miles Sanders had a solid season. 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. Roland Frederickson Koy Sayers Anderson Butler Osborn Tucker Willard Kurek Edwards Garrison Grabowski Granger Reeves Reed Harraway Farr Lindsey Baker Cunningham Hull Jones Ellison Shy Explore Who had the best record against the spread last season? He looked way more confident andRead more , I might give you the Saints as having a better deeper RB room but not the Panthers. Folks get hung up on statistics and focus more than they should on the pass catching aspect. Michael Turner, Atlanta. This is it. Aside from the addition of Andre Ellington and the loss of JacQuizz Rodgers this offseason, Tampa Bay has pretty much stood pat at the position. Trenton Cannon Mostert became the 49ers No. Ty Montgomery New Orleans Saints defensive end Trey Hendrickson (91) and defensive end Carl Granderson (96) defends on the play at Bank of America Stadium. 5. An asset in both the run and pass games, Chubb racked up 1,217 scrimmage yards and 12 touchdowns last season. 4 spot on this list, but his career is currently in limbo. 26. The running back appears to be in great shape, revealing during the Hall of Fame Game last week that he has lost 10lbs in preparation for the upcoming season. Number one fumbling the ball, Elliott said when asked what his No. (via @Giants) pic.twitter.com/yNFOW1WoZQ. 40-31? FantraxHQ - The Home of Fantasy Sports Analysis, 2021 Fantasy Running Back Depth Charts: NFC South, Top 500 Fantasy Baseball Dynasty Rankings, Fantasy 101: How to Play Rotisserie Baseball, 2023 Fantasy Baseball Position Eligibility, Fantasy EPL 101 How to Play Draft Premier League, 2023 Fantasy Baseball: Points Leagues Sleepers Hitters, Canadian Baseball Prospects and Team Canada World Baseball Classic Roster. He was hurt visually all of last year, and while Im obviously not projecting that this year, his handcuff would be Chubba Hubbard should that happen again. Tampa Bay hopes to provide newly signed and six-time Super Bowl champion QB Tom Brady with better support, and Brady has needed a productive rushing attack and stout offensive line as his play has dropped off in recent seasons. @JdMckissic for 6 #SEAvsWAS FOX pic.twitter.com/dVGuOjCtKR. Cooks 2019-2020 stretch is among the best two-year stretch of RB performance weve seen in recent memory. Fantrax was one of the fastest-growing fantasy sites of 2020, and were not stopping now. Akers almost enters the NFL in these rankings above Coleman but not quite. Buccaneers; . Josh Jacobs has eclipsed the 1,000-yard plateau in each of his first two seasons with the Raiders. His greatest attribute might be his ability to make defenders miss. Sign up for our newsletter and get every update delivered to your inbox! 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. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Spotify. Quarterback: 1-19 Running back: 1-49,. 30-21? He had just under 700 yards rushing and just under 400 yards receiving. Ranking the top six running backs in the NFC North division, entering the 2021 NFL season. Since 2019, he's posted a 24-6 regular-season record as a starter and helped the Ravens to three straight postseasons, including his first playoff victory last January. But Im thinking 4th or 5th round at best. However, he has yet to play a full 16 games for the Vikings and has missed 23 career games in his first four seasons with a variety of injuries. 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. The NFL's top running backs will take center stage when the 2021 season returns. Theyll hope Trenton Cannon, Rodney Smith, Reggie Bonnafon and Chuba Hubbard are able to step up. He's 37-8 since becoming the Chiefs' starting quarterback in 2018 (most wins by a QB in the NFL over that span), and he ranks first in many passing metrics among QBs with a minimum of 100 pass attempts since '18.