The NFC West has some talented running backs in the conference. Ranking The NFC South: Running Backs - Pewter Report Tony Brooks-James (via @Giants) pic.twitter.com/yNFOW1WoZQ. His PFF rushing grade improved dramatically from his rookie year, jumping from a 59.1 all the way up to a 75.3. Though he narrowly missed 1,000 yards last year, he chipped in with 50+ receptions out of the backfield for the third straight season. 1. LB Von Miller, . Atlanta Falcons. In terms of the entire units right now, I take theRead more . 23. Washingtons running back group is versatile, fairly young, and productive. Before we get into the full list of which players are making the change, let's take a quick look at what numbers are now available to specific positions. A lot of people like to make it sound as if the Saints didn't have a featured back last year. Derrick Henry is the undisputed workout king as well as the leagues top stiff-arm threat entering 2021. Chubb has been an instrumental part of the Browns' new winning culture as a focal point in Kevin Stefanski's offense. Then there are RB-friendly systems that will likely see Trey Sermon, Michael Carter, and Kylin Hill as names to know. 31. He kept a lot of hits off Turner and quarterback Matt Ryan last year. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports, https://cardswire.usatoday.com/gallery/ranking-the-nfc-west-running-backs/, Cardinals given terrible marks by players on team report card, 4 of 101 best nicknames in NFL history belong to former Cardinals players, One free agent each NFL team should re-sign in 2023, GM, HC searches affected by Cardinals' reputation on compensation, DeAndre Hopkins trade could come before start of free agency, Eagles player takes shot at Jonathan Gannon on social media, Jonathan Gannon 'not sure' if DeAndre Hopkins will play for Cardinals in 2023, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. 24 Year Old Running Backs 2021 In Nfc South | StatMuse Ranking the NFC East position groups: Running backs The third-round pick had a very productive rookie year in 2020, rushing for 795 yards and scoring an extremely . Im anticipating a negative game script with the running game, considering theyll be down in plenty of 4th quarters. Chuba Hubbard 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. But if hes healthy, hes a rare breed of balance, strength, and elusiveness. At just 24 years old, Barkley is just getting started. 4. 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. Its an embarrassment of riches, and thats not ideal for fantasy. 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. Which Of These 10 Running Backs 25 Or Younger Is Best In NFL? We are looking at overall depth right not starters? Etienne spent all of 2021 on injured reserve. Top 5 Running Backs in the NFC South - Sports Illustrated 50-41? Akers will likely become the Rams top running back as a rookie. 27 years old. 4 on this list. Mason Stokke. Continuing my NFC South position group rankings, I've dug into each team's current crop of running backs to determine how they stack up. falcons. 10. AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, (select parishes), MD, MI, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY, CA-ONT only.Eligibility restrictions apply. Alvin Kamara has gotten plenty of attention during his first two seasons with the Saints, but Christian McCaffrey has been every bit as impressive in his first two years in Carolina. Which team boasts three representatives? . A year without Drew Brees will ultimately be the telling chapter of Kamaras career. 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. Matt Brown. Dwayne Washington The NFC West has a number of talented running backs. Alright, let's get into who is set to sport a new number! 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. 50 percent of the Panthers offensive plays went through him the prior season and when a player starts getting injuries from overuse, they generally don stop or go away. Theyll hope Trenton Cannon, Rodney Smith, Reggie Bonnafon and Chuba Hubbard are able to step up. Seven players 25 years old and younger make an appearance in the list, which is voted on by the players themselves, between Nos. A: . Thats not to say Davis is a slouch, as the veteran filled in admirably for Christian McCaffrey last season in Carolina. With that in mind, NFL Network analyst Maurice Jones-Drew provides his own ranking of the league's top 10 players 25 and younger heading into the 2021 regular season. Pierre Thomas, New Orleans. Also, I watched a good amount of Hawkins at Louisville and I think hes a very capable back that could eat into Davis carries. Please enter a valid email and try again. Elliott has now hauled in multiple receiving touchdowns and at least 300 receiving yards in four of his five seasons. The back-to-back reigning rushing champion tops the list of best running backs in the NFL. Freeman should be back healthy for 2019, and the Falcons are a better team with him on the field. The third-round pick had a very productive rookie year in 2020, rushing for 795 yards and scoring an extremely impressive 11 touchdowns. 1 thing thats my focus this year is protecting the ball.. This touchdown run gave Tony Pollard 69 rushing yards on the day. Scott has been around the league since 2018 and has had some production, five rushing TDs in 2019 and 374 rushing yards in 2020, but isnt going to scare a defense. Austin Ekeler, Los Angeles Chargers No, he's not a true running back. DeAngelo Williams, Carolina. Young has the talent to rise to the top of this list one day, but he slots in at No. Michael Smith. Selecting Texas RB Bijan Robinson at 26 could be a great pick for the Cowboys. NFC South . It is the quality of the starter that pushes the Bucs ranks down compared to CMC and Kamara. 40 and 31. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Spotify. His performance as the No. Which RB enters the season atop the list? Though they do it in different ways, one thing is for sure about these top 10 theyre a threat to take it to the house on every play. Sign up for the Accurate ranking. Ranking the NFC South's running back groups: All-purpose stars lead the way Allen made huge jumps in his on-field production, confidence and command of the offense last season. The 27-year-old had the most productive season of his career in 2020 with the WFT, rushing for 365 yards and hauling in an impressive 80 catches for 589 yards and two touchdowns. I dont entirely know what to make of Mike Davis. While the Saints' two-headed monster at running back gives them the advantage over most teams, Kamara may not even be the most dangerous back in his own division. Ranking the NFC South running backs - NFC South- ESPN He would have ranked second on this list. 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. I'm projecting a bit here because we don't truly know Ward's role. The sixth-year running back has already recorded 5,860 rushing yards and 55 touchdowns, having produced at least 1,500 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns in each of the last two seasons. Losing Mark Ingram in free agency will certainly be felt next season, but the Saints' decision to add Latavius Murray, who gained 578 yards and scored six touchdowns on 140 carries with the Vikings last season, will help mitigate that. Terms at draftkings.com/sportsbook. Kamara had his stats hindered when Taysom Hill was QB, as he would vulture TDs and take carries away from Alvin. NFL and the NFL shield design are registered trademarks of the National Football League.The team names, logos and uniform designs are registered trademarks of the teams indicated. Are we talking the entire unit as a whole and comparing the sum of their parts? Would love your thoughts, please comment. It is important to note that Los Angeles Rams running back Cam Akers will not be on the list, as he tore his Achilles and will not play this coming season. We also get your email address to automatically create an account for you in our website. Sanders got off to a slow start, but still finished with some decent numbers. The crazy thing is, it feels as if Mahomes is just getting started. The other nine are 25 or younger. he's on pace for a career high in rushing yards at an age when most running backs are nearing their final days in the . Still, this is McCaffrey's show. Reggie Bonnafon Josh Jacobs has eclipsed the 1,000-yard plateau in each of his first two seasons with the Raiders. John Raine, Falcons RB Mike Davis Photo by: USA Today. Jonathan Stewart, Carolina. He's down 10 pounds. Alvin Kamara and Christian McCaffrey have been stars since entering the league in 2017, and Devonta Freeman should be healthy after missing much of the 2018 season. What Kamara gives the Saints as a receiver is very difficult to replace. The best NFL player at every age, from 21-44 - ESPN 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. Earnest Graham, Tampa Bay. The soon-to-be 26-year-old, who requested a trade earlier this offseason, is at Texans camp -- practicing sparingly -- while allegations of sexual assault and harassment made in the 22 lawsuits filed against the quarterback remain under investigation. 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. Covers the New Orleans Saints as contributing writer for Saints News Network. 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). He really found his groove as the complement to Nick Chubb in Cleveland a season ago, rushing for 921 yards and 9 touchdowns. Fournette had an attitude change after his chatRead more . 2021 Jones 2021 Thompson 2021 Vaughn 2021 Prentice 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 24 24 24 24 Explore Which team has won the most Super Bowls? Carolina was held below 100 yards rushing seven times last season and went 2-5 in those contests. 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. Carolina claims the top spot in the division at running back, provided Christian McCaffrey stays healthy this season. Episode 7 of the "Top 100 Players of 2022" airs on Sunday, revealing two productive QB-pass catcher combos in the players' list between Nos. Who Is A 27 Year Old Running Back In The Nfc | StatMuse 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. To qualify, a player will have to be 25 or younger as of Sept. 9, when the 2021 season is scheduled to kick off. @JdMckissic for 6 #SEAvsWAS FOX pic.twitter.com/dVGuOjCtKR. Derrick Ward, Tampa Bay. James Robinson, Jacksonville Jaguars 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? This is it. For a reminder of what I look for in each category, click here. TEMPE, ARIZONA - JUNE 02: Runningback James Conner #6 of the Arizona Cardinals participates in an, TEMPE, ARIZONA - JUNE 02: Runningback James Conner #6 of the Arizona Cardinals participates in an off-season workout at Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center on June 02, 2021 in Tempe, Arizona. https://cardswire.usatoday.com/lists/nfl-rb-rankings-nfc-west-chris-carson-raheem-mostert-kenyan-drake/, Cardinals given terrible marks by players on team report card, 4 of 101 best nicknames in NFL history belong to former Cardinals players, One free agent each NFL team should re-sign in 2023, GM, HC searches affected by Cardinals' reputation on compensation, DeAndre Hopkins trade could come before start of free agency, Eagles player takes shot at Jonathan Gannon on social media, Jonathan Gannon 'not sure' if DeAndre Hopkins will play for Cardinals in 2023, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. By all accounts, Elliott has looked great during training camp. Jacobs is a skilled runner in space, losing very little speed through his breaks. The NFC West has some talented running backs in the conference. Sign up for our newsletter and get every update delivered to your inbox! 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. Ranking the NFC South Running Backs - Cat Scratch Reader Posted by ESPN.com's Pat Yasinskas We'll continue our NFC South positional rankings today with running backs. Cowboys draft 2023: Bijan Robinson should be an exception to not drafting a RB in the first round. It was Thomas and he's solid. Your email address will not be published. Top 10 players 25 years old and younger entering 2021 NFL season - NFL.com Mike James. Ive never been a fumbler. Like, in terms of entire unit, I cant in good faith grade the Panthers #1. I would take our 3rd guy (Gio) and likely 2nd guy (Fournette or Rojo) over any other teams backups. Today, we start by taking a look at the running backs. 28. McCaffrey only played three games last season, and his loss was felt more acutely in the pass game than the run game. Jan 5, 2020; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (41) runs the ball for a touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings during the second quarter of a NFC Wild Card playoff football game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Hes absolutely a first-round draft pick and provided youre not picking one overall, I think you can take him at any pick and nobody will shame you for it. Jerious Norwood, Atlanta. New Orleans Saints. Gonzalez recalls matchup with Drake London during his days with Colorado. Top 5 Running Backs in the NFC South | Yardbarker Murray is capable of carrying the load for a game or two, and has even made strides at receiver during his time in New Orleans. The age listed under each player's name is the age he will be on Sept. 9. Top 32 running backs for the 2021 NFL season | 1-10, Top 32 running backs for the 2021 NFL season | 11-32. Home | Ranking The NFC South: Running Backs. Who is a 27 year old running back in the nfc? Now what did they get wrong? We'll continue our NFC South positional rankings today with running backs. Number one fumbling the ball, Elliott said when asked what his No. 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. The highest non-starter on this list, Kareem Hunt packs half of the punch for the leagues top RB duo in Cleveland. 'I know that I can't do that': DJ Moore says unsportsmanlike penalty cost Panthers. That wont change. Saints then Panthers, because of the depth. Fullback Keith Smith has 12 career rushing attempts, but will mostly just contribute as a blocker. If Mostert has his way, he might not even begin the season in the division. 2022 NFL offseason: All 32 teams' RB situations ahead of free agency, draft Trenton Cannon Cooks 2019-2020 stretch is among the best two-year stretch of RB performance weve seen in recent memory. But, when you compare the teams running back groups altogether, theres no question the Cowboys have the best group in the division. In his last fully healthy season (2019), the Panthers' running back led the league in touches (403) and scrimmage yards (2,392, third-most in NFL history) and tied for first in scrimmage TDs (19). What sets McCaffrey apart isnt that hes a great runner, although he certainly is. On this roster, theyre together, and neither has a defined role. 30. 2. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images), Sep 15, 2019; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Rashaad Penny (20) runs on a, Sep 15, 2019; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Rashaad Penny (20) runs on a thirty seven yard touchdown run against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the third quarter at Heinz Field. [CDATA[ Unthinkable! Outside of the QB position (specifically Lamar Jackson), theres not a player in the league that will command a larger percentage of their teams offense than CMC. Names like Javonte Williams in Denver, Rhamondre Stevenson in New England, or Jaret Patterson in Washington are likely to surface before too long. The fifth-year back is a very good, not elite pure runner, but an outstanding pass-catcher. Prosise Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Stitcher Radio. In 2020, it looks a little different as Todd Gurley and David Johnson are no longer in the division. 6-keys: media/spln/nfl/reg/free/stories, at 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. 27. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. The second-year man, out of . With Tom Brady's retirement, what's next for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at quarterback? Christian McCaffrey 2 back is. 11. 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. 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. Alvin Kamara Tampa Bay Buccaneers. I stand by that, but after the CMC gap, Alvin Kamara is in the next tier. Which team has the most wins as home dogs since 2016? Drake has yet to put together a great full season, but will get his chance as the Cardinals No. 16. Its taken him a couple seasons, but hes our best pure runner. Despite splitting carries in the Packers backfield, Aaron Jones easily lands on any list of top running backs in the NFL. His greatest attribute might be his ability to make defenders miss. ET. Chubb is no stranger to big plays and has scored 30 total touchdowns in just three seasons. I dont care what the scoring of your league entails. Running back rankings: NFC South | wtsp.com Expect him to be an even bigger part of Tampa Bay's offense in 2022. Top 5 Running Backs in the NFC South. Touchdown Antonio Gibson! All Rights Reserved. Fresh off signing a new contract, Allen will be well on his way to becoming one of the great quarterbacks of his era if he continues on this trajectory. Ito Smith carried the ball 90 times for 315 yards and four scores during his rookie season, and Brian Hill ran wild in a Week 16 game against the Panthers, gaining 115 yards on just eight carries. Hes coming off one of the worst injuries in sports, so well just have to wait if the star running back will be able to stay on the field in 2021. 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. Which 10 players make up Nos. He very well could be the starter in 2021. With coaching staff in place, what's next for Carolina Panthers? Although the running back position has become a bit marginalized in recent seasons, the NFC South boasts some of the league's top young backs. The former second-round pick rushed for 867 yards, averaging 5.3 yards per carry, and scored six touchdowns on the ground. He also provides an excellent floor because even if the game script isnt favoring the run game, CMC will get plenty of targets through the air.