Erik Drost, CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
In recent years, the market value for running backs in the NFL has seen a steady decline. Many experts claim that running backs are some of the most replaceable players in the league. However, the impact that the top backs in football have on the game is undeniable. These players are the engine on which their offense runs. In this installment of my position rankings series, I’ve listed my top ten running backs in the NFL today.
10. Kyren Williams, Los Angeles Rams
In a breakout 2023 season, Kyren Williams had one of the highest usage rates in the league. He averaged five yards per carry and earned a rushing grade of 90.6 from PFF. The stats say he should fall higher on this list, but I attribute some of Williams’ rushing success to head coach Sean McVay’s innovative scheme.
9. Aaron Jones, Minnesota Vikings
When healthy, Aaron Jones is one of the league’s most dynamic running backs. After a slow start to his 2023 campaign that was hampered by injuries, Jones finished the year with five consecutive games with at least 100 rushing yards, including two impressive playoff performances. As one of the older backs in the NFL, he continues to prove his value.
8. Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions raised eyebrows when they selected former Alabama running back Jahmyr Gibbs with the twelfth overall pick in the 2023 draft. Skeptics were quickly quieted by Gibbs’ explosive play in his rookie year. Gibbs finished the year with 33 rushes of at least ten yards, which ranked third in the league. He did so with over 60 fewer attempts than those ranking above him.
7. Nick Chubb, Cleveland Browns
If it were not for Nick Chubb’s brutal knee injury suffered in 2023, he would rank much higher on my list. From 2019 to 2022, Chubb produced four consecutive seasons with at least 1,200 rushing yards and eight touchdowns. He has averaged at least five yards per carry in every season of his career so far. However, we have yet to see how he will perform after his return.
6. Breece Hall, New York Jets
Breece Hall is one of the fastest risers among NFL running backs. In his second season as a pro, he totaled over 1,500 yards from scrimmage and nine touchdowns in what was a bad Jets offense. Hall is a threat in both the running game and the passing game, as he hauled in 76 catches last season. With Aaron Rodgers back at quarterback, expect a jump in production from Hall this year.
5. Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts
For the first two seasons of his NFL career, Jonathan Taylor looked like the best running back in the league. From 2020 to 2021, Taylor totaled over 3,000 rushing yards and 30 rushing touchdowns. Due in part to injuries and a contract holdout, Taylor has failed to reach the 1,000 yard mark in the last two seasons.
4. Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons
Sure, we haven’t seen top-tier production from Bijan Robinson quite yet. However, he has shown flashes of being one of the most talented players in the NFL, full stop. In his rookie year, Robinson tallied over 1,400 yards from scrimmage and eight touchdowns. This guy produces a highlight play every week and sure has a bright future ahead of him.
3. Saquon Barkley, Philadelphia Eagles
Saquon Barkley had a down year in 2023, failing to reach 1,000 rushing yards and averaging just 3.9 yards per carry. With a change of scenery and a much-improved offensive line situation, Barkley seems to have returned to the elite form we’ve come to expect from him. He’s currently averaging 5.5 yards per carry and has been a workhorse for the Eagles.
2. Derrick Henry, Baltimore Ravens
King Henry is a freak of nature at running back. At 6’3” and almost 250 pounds, Henry is one of the most physically intimidating players in recent NFL history. In his eight seasons in the league, he’s totaled over 10,000 rushing yards and over 90 touchdowns. Henry has never averaged less than four yards per carry in his long career. In 2023, Henry had more rushing yards after contact than any other back in the league.
1. Christian McCaffrey, San Fransisco 49ers
Christian McCaffrey is the epitome of a dual-threat running back. In his seven NFL seasons, McCaffrey has totaled over 6,000 rushing yards and over 4,000 receiving yards. McCaffrey won the 2023 Offensive Player of the Year award after averaging 5.4 rushing yards per attempt and scoring 21 total touchdowns. Opposing defenses are relieved that McCaffrey is currently sidelined with an injury.
