Carry and receive the ball, gain yards, but above all, score touchdowns. The running back position often works by committee. But here, we will list the main carriers of each team and rank them. Fasten your seat belts, it will go fast!
Elusive Tier
Christian McCaffrey (49ers)
Since joining the 49ers, Christian McCaffrey has become unplayable. To the point of knowing how to do everything well: run, catch, and… throw the ball.
Main threat to the Panthers, he took on another dimension on the other side of the country. Already armed in attack, Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers will still have fun this season with a player who does not need an offensive line to shine. That’s good, the 49ers have one of the best offensive lines in the league. His production should be better than his previous seasons. All this on one condition, that the injuries leave him alone.
Try to get him out of the way! Tier
Nick Chubb (Browns), Derrick Henry (Titans), Saquon Barkley (Giants), Austin Ekeler (Chargers), Tony Pollard (Cowboys), Josh Jacobs (Raiders), Aaron Jones (Packers)
Indisputable players in their team.
When it comes to carrying the ball, they can change everything with a single action. When the defense is not far from taking out the attack, we give them the ball to unblock the situation. No matter the line and the defenders, they will always find a way to grab 1 or 2 extra yards.
Indispensable, they are even good at doing things other than carrying the ball with their hands. Whether it’s to throw (Derrick Henry), or to catch the ball (Ekeler).
Need Tier Maintenance
Jonathan Taylor (Colts), Rhamondre Stevenson (Patriots), Miles Sanders (Panthers), Jamaal Williams (Saints)
In this category, we find players who need their line to reach their optimal performance. We can qualify this list of players who have achieved a great performance during a season, but whose confirmation is awaited.
Jonathan Taylor is the headliner of this list. Incredible behind a superb offensive line in 2021, he suffered last year and was even injured. Miles Sanders has changed teams, and will have to prove that he can have the same statistical production that he had with the Eagles.
Despite everything, they are still solid players. They use their game vision very well to give the first attempt, or to score a touchdown.
Friction in Tier Engine
Dalvin Cook (Jets), Alvin Kamara (Saints), Joe Mixon (Bengals), Ezekiel Eliott (Patriots), David Montgomery (Lions)
Fresh start, injury or performance issues, or legal issues. These riders need to relaunch their careers, especially since most of them need to do better than they are capable of producing.
Author of the last 4 magnificent seasons for the Vikings, it might seem unfair for Dalvin Cook to find himself in this category. Joining a new team does not necessarily mean having the same production as in your previous team.
It lacks Tier outfit
James Conner (Cardinals), Najee Harris (Steelers), D’Onta Foreman (Bears), Cam Akers (Rams), Devin Singletary (Texans), Raheem Mostert (Dolphins)
Running back number 1 by default or a deluxe substitute. Here, they are runners whose production is not always optimal, and whose stability is not the strong point. This can be at the level of carrying the ball, but also at the level of their journeys in the NFL.
Their place will always be disputed, even if the statistical production may seem honourable. This is the case of James Conner, a good running back for the Cardinals and who has many career touchdowns (52). However, the impact he has on his team is less compared to the best in the league.
Polishing Tier
Travis Etienne (Jaguars), Kenneth Walker III (Seahawks), Dameon Pierce (Texans), Tyler Allgeier (Falcons), Brian Robinson (Commanders), Isiah Pacheco (Chiefs), Khalil Herbert (Bears), James Cook (Bills)
From this list, we have not seen much. But, some are on the right track, and can still go further. This is the case of Travis Etienne, Kenneth Walker III and Dameon Pierce. Others will have competition (Pacheco, Allgeier) or will have to complete a full season (Robinson, Herbert, Cook).
The common objective: to convince the offensive coordinators to put their name without hesitation on the score sheet as the starting running back.
Waiting for Tier Restart
JK Dobbins (Ravens), Javonte Williams (Broncos), Breece Hall (Jets)
Players in this list have stayed warm for quite a long time, mostly due to long injury. Even if JK Dobbins has made a few games in 2022, we are waiting to see him on a new full season if he still has the potential to go higher. Javonte Williams did not see a competitor take his place last year. On the other hand, Breece Hall will have competition from Dalvin Cook. This can be a brake on his progress, he who had a very interesting rookie season.
In Tier Stands
Bijan Robinson (Falcons), Jahmyr Gibbs (Lions), Devon Achane (Dolphins), Zach Charbonnet (Seahawks)
We haven’t seen them on an NFL field yet, but we can’t wait to see them. Well known to NFL scouts, college star Bijan Robinson is the main name on this list, and the player to watch.
Getting rid of D’Andre Swift to make room for him, Jahmyr Gibbs will have to show why the Lions bet so much on him. If the Dolphins’ main running backs are injured or not performing well, Devon Achane should be seen quite often. Better in reception of Kenneth Walker III, Zach Charbonnet should also see the field to give variety to Pete Carroll’s attack.
