All rights reserved. It wouldn't be surprising if Stevenson jumps into the top-20 with an expanded role. The only running back on this list, Craig played an integral role in the 49ers' success during the 1980s. Maurice Jones-Drew assembles the perfect running back, combining the traits of some of today's top talent in the NFL. Injuries have considerably limited Michel's impact over the past two seasons. He has enjoyed a career resurgence with theBuccaneers, as Tampa Bay went 7-0 with Fournette in its starting lineup during the 2020 season. In 2011, Brown ran for five scores while averaging 4.8 yards per carry. Injuries to Holmes opened the door for Johnson, who rushed for over 3,500 yards and 37 touchdowns during the 2005 and 2006 seasons. He's still special as a complete receiving-leaning back when healthy and that's why he remains in the top 10, but the lingering injury issues can't be ignored in relation to those now ranked ahead of him. He still can produce well, but the Commanders seem to be committed to more of a situational committee approach to keep him fresh vs. putting more on him as a workhorse. Jim Brown is a superb choice to start a list of top running backs of all time. Maurice Jones-Drew spotlights three teams who will be looking for a new primary RB in 2023. And despite Manning's departure in 2012, a 34-year-old Wayne earned Pro Bowl honors that season while catching passes from a rookie quarterback named Andrew Luck. Plus, just how far did Pollard climb in MJD's RB rankings after his big Week 11 outing? In 1985, he became the first running back in NFL history to top 1,000 yards in both receiving and rushing. A six-time Pro Bowler from 2006-10 and in 2012, Wayne led the NFL in receiving yards in 2007. Willis' play largely contributed to the 49ers' NFC title in 2012 as well as the franchise's three consecutive NFC title game appearances from 2011-13. He also led the NFL in tackles on four different occasions. (He won his second in Tampa last season). Although this rumor sounds too strange to be made up, lets discuss if there is any validity to this. 3: Roger Craig -- One of the best multi-purpose backs ever, he was the first to run for 1,000 yards and catch another 1,000 in the same season. All Rights Reserved. Oh wait, you don't have to wonder at all. 11:15 am ET. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara), Dupree was injured for most of his pro career, the majority of which was wasted in the USFL. Also included is a handful of honorable mentions, as well as statistics from every 1,000-yard. Johnson's 9,651 rushing yards are good for 35th on the all-time list, ahead of Hall of Famers Earl Campbell, Jim Taylor and Larry Csonka, among others. I could be totally wrong in this, but I feel Rodgers and Hopkins get traded before Henry ever does. A key member of Pittsburgh's "Steel Curtain" defense, Greenwood earned six Pro Bowl nods (and two first-team All-Pro honors) from 1973-79. 2004-2023 CBS Interactive. Williams remains in a timeshare with the still effective Melvin Gordon, but there's no doubt he will be the preferred dynamic lead in the new offense with his budding all-around explosiveness. As we remember Chuck Muncie, it's pertinent to reflect on the greatest running backs in NFL history who are not in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The postseason success is obviously there, helping Seattle win its first-ever Super Bowl. section: | slug: ranking-every-nfl-running-back-drafted-in-round-1-since-2000-ladainian-tomlinson-leads-the-list | sport: football | route: article_single.us | 's Top-5 best running backs not in the HOF, 1980s Jets wives walked out on learning fight song, OJ Anderson pleads for Hall of Fame nod 'while I'm above ground', Stern: Princeton's historic run has 'Revenge of the Nerds' feel, D.A. Of course, this list will only look at those eligible for the Hall of Fame (so Shaun Alexander, who should get in, is not included). Perhaps he was overlooked, since he played games in Jacksonville. Jackson joins program that produced Hall of Fame running backs Frank Gifford, O.J. MORE Top 50 Players in BYU Football History Nos. A big, physical back at 6-foot-2 and 240 pounds, Jackson ripped off eight straight 1,000-yard seasons from 2005-12. Who knows, honestly? 219 pick. One of the league's best running backs during his heyday, Alexander averaged 1,500 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns per season from 2001-05. Hart was a four-time Pro Bowler whose career really took off once Don Coryell became head coach in 1973. Jackson is 18th on the NFL's career rushing list, just ahead of Hall of Fame running backs John Riggins and O.J. Being available allowed Watters to put up these kind of numbers year over year, and he should be rewarded for it. He had one uneventful season in Chicago before spending another year in the now defunct United Football League. As far as the Titans are concerned, lets just hope Carthon and head coach Mike Vrabel are on the same page and have owner Amy Adams Strunks blessing to do whatever is in the best interest of the Titans franchise. (AP Photo/Al Golub), Do yourself a favor and Google this guy. And while the running back position may no longer be king of the hill, several teams this century have benefited by selecting a running back in the first round. Spiller's career had an uphill trajectory during his first three seasons. Jacksonville Jaguars (1998-2008), New England Patriots (2009-2010). When you look at the 30 running backs with 10,000 or more rushing yards, Gore doesn't even stand out among the nonmembers of the Hall of Fame. He was instrumental in helping the Pats win their third Super Bowl in four seasons. 1 pick has boom-bust potential. 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. You saw the ESPN doc on him, so you can't deny this. In a Hall-of-Fame career . Smith tallied eight 1,000-yard seasons and is one of 14 players with at least 1,000 career receptions. He also could handle a bigger role in the passing game if needed, which might be the case if the team moves Kareem Hunt. His best season occurred in 2003, when he rushed for 1,641 yards while also recording 516 receiving yards. Conner should be treated as more of a workhorse with Chase Edmonds now playing for the Dolphins. No. A three-time Super Bowl champion, Craig became the first player to score three touchdowns in a Super Bowl during the 49ers' win over the Dolphins in Super Bowl XVI. That's the big question, but the Rams have confidence that he can deliver effective lead rushing production with the right dash of receiving pop. Bills (2004-06); Ravens (2007-10); Broncos (2011-12); Browns (2013). (National Football League), You might not believe this, but the New York Jets were actually good in the 1980s. After rehabbing for the 2003 season, McGahee rushed for 1,128 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2004 while leading the Bills to the precipice of the postseason. San Francisco 49ers (1992-94), Philadelphia Eagles (1995-97), Seattle Seahawks (1998-2001). Like McCaffrey, Barkley's early career boom has been derailed by injury woes, but he also never reached the same level of all-purpose dominance. 2023 NFL Enterprises LLC. Marshall Faulk (1994-2005) . His 46-yard touchdown sealed Kansas City's 23-7 win over theVikings, the last game ever played between the rival leagues. And the fact that the city was thisclose to a second consecutive Lombardi -- a debate that never ends well for Pete Carroll -- helps his case. Jaguars (2017-19); Buccaneers (2020-Present). (AP Photo/Steve Nesius), Brooks was a four-time Pro Bowl selection for the Cincinnati Bengals. While he shared a backfield for most of his time in Miami, Brown still managed to averaged nearly 1,000 rushing yards per season with the Dolphins. 2021 stats:207 carries, 963 rushing yards, 4.7 yards per carry, 19 receptions on 20 targets, 137 receiving yards, 6 total TDs. In 1992, Brett Favre's first season as the Packers' starting quarterback, Sharpe led the NFL in receptions (108), yards (1,461) and touchdowns (13). It finally came, thanks to durability and a top-flight passing game with Joe Burrow that opened things up for him to put it all together. But for my money, I'd rather celebrate a guy who had a huge impact and was the best at his position instead of a guy who was all right for a number of years (looking at you, Bettis). Which player earns the No. In the Super Bowl Era. the Eagles were looking to trade for Henry. He was a key contributor to a powerful Colts team that won back-to-back NFL titles to close out the decade of the 1950s. 2020 stats: 145 carries, 625 rushing yards, 4.3 yards per carry, 11 receptions on 14 targets,123 receiving yards, 3 total TDs. But his production plummeted after breaking his collarbone during the 2014 season. Another torn ACL injury in 2014 -- his only season in Miami -- prematurely ended his career. Superstar quarterbacks undoubtedly headline the AFC Championship Game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Kansas City Chiefs, but Maurice Jones-Drew explains why the running backs will actually decide who wins. Edwards-Helaire hasn't lived up to being a first-rounder in 2020 for multiple reasons. Faulk leads the bunch with 767 receptions, putting him at No. The 10 Best Running Backs Not in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Dean Hybl June 7, 2009 10. 2021 stats: 188 carries, 870 rushing yards, 4.6 yards per carry, 40 receptions on 50 targets, 228receiving yards, 8 total TDs. There are still a slew of eligible former players who are still waiting for their call to Canton, Ohio. Can Akers pick up his promise as a rookie following a season mostly lost to suffering a torn Achilles' last summer? It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. Thomas, who finished his career with the Chiefs, is 26th all time on the league's career rushing list. Between 2001-03, Holmes was iconic, a Pro Bowler and All-Pro for three straight seasons. Craig was a four-time Pro Bowler, and a three-time champion. Did rushing champion Josh Jacobs finish on top? Maurice Jones-Drew has one thought about the Cowboys' usage of Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard in Zeke's return: Keep it even-steven! In 16 seasons, he's third on the all-time rushing list with 16,000 yards, third in carries (3,735), third in touches (4,219) and fourth in scrimmage yards (19,985). The 14 Hall of Famers in this group averaged. Pitta piled up 2,901 receiving yards on 221 receptions in his four years with the Cougars. Brian Branch, S, Alabama. Dillon has gone from expected power complement to Jones to a well-rounded back in his own right. He had seven seasons with at least 1,100 rushing yards (T-sixth in NFL history) and led the league in rush yards per game (107.6) in 2000. By 2012, he earned Pro Bowl honors after rushing for 1,244 yards and averaging 6 yards per carry. A seven-time Pro Bowler and member of the NFL's All-2000s Team, Holt played an integral role on theRams' 1999 championship team. Player Identification: Sweetness. All of these men are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, but there are many talented running backs that are not enshrined in Canton for some reason. Eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2025, Lynch's impact was felt everywhere he went. In 2002, he was named the AFC's Offensive Player of the Year, and finished fourth in the MVP vote. During his seven full seasons in San Francisco, Willis earned Pro Bowl honors each year while also receiving five first-team All-Pro nods. A four-time Pro Bowler and member of the NFL's All-1980s Team, Craig became the first player in league history to have 1,000 rushing and receiving yards in the same season (1985). Formerly the Panthers' career rushing leader, Williams enjoyed a late career resurgence in Pittsburgh, as the Steelers went 10-4 with Williams in the starting lineup. Falcons (2002-05); Washington (2006); Lions (2007); Seahawks (2008). Cleveland Browns Hall of Fame running back Jim Brown (32) is pictured in Cleveland, circa 1960s. Patience would be an appropriate word to describe the 2022 Pro Football Hall of Fame induction class. Jones didn't have a chance against Tasker, who beat Jones on an inside move before blocking Mike Saxon's punt. 1 now, but there's a reason why Denver decided late to bring back Gordon as a savvy No. The prototype running back for today's NFL, Gordon earned two Pro Bowl nods during his first four seasons in the NFL. Hall of Fame running back Eric Dickerson rushed for a playoff record 248 yards in the Los . In 2014, following teammateDeAngelo Williams' injury, Stewart gained nearly 1,000-purpose yards while receiving a then-career high eight starts. Williams can be a reliable supporting cog for Russell Wilson in every capacity, taking the Jones role in the Packers-like system. All HOFm Positions: QBRBWRTEGTCDTDEILBOLBDBKP, Every Sports Reference Social Media Account, Site Last Updated: Sunday, April 30, 2:31PM. In 2011, the 30-year-old running back earned his second Pro Bowl selection while helping the Broncos advance to the divisional round of the playoffs. 1 receiver when St. Louis made a return trip to theSuper Bowlin 2001. 10 running backs that barely missed the cut (in alphabetical order): Ottis Anderson Larry Csonka Corey Dillon Priest Holmes Bo Jackson Steven Jackson Fred Taylor Herschel Walker Ricky Watters. Hall of Fame: Yes (1993) NFL MVP: 1. While his career may not have lived up to his pre-draft hype, Bush nonetheless enjoyed a fruitful NFL career. In 2005, Ward won Super Bowl MVP honors while helping lead Pittsburgh to its fifth Super Bowl victory. Teams:Panthers (2001-13); Ravens (2014-16). Teams:Browns (1978-93); Falcons (1994-96). While Chicago just wasn't a good fit, Benson still helped lead theBearsto the Super Bowl in 2006. Singletary emerged as a reliable workhorse down the stretch to complement the high-volume passing game. Given Vrabels competitive nature and tenacity for winning, I doubt he will want Carthon to trade his best player to the Eagles. Cook just needs to come through with full health for his Age-27 season. Three years later, he teamed up with Hall of Fame cornerback Mike Haynes to shut down Washington's talented receiving corps in Super Bowl XVIII. Titans (2008-13); Jets (2014); Cardinals (2015-17). The Bengals' all-time leading passer, Anderson's boom under Bill Walsh's "West Coast" offense set the stage for Walsh's success with Joe Montana in San Francisco. A throwback power back, Fournette helped lead theJaguarsto the brink of the Super Bowl as a rookie. And while his touches were somewhat limited during his first season in Denver, Gordon still managed to rush for nearly 1,000 yards while scoring 10 touchdowns for the fourth time in his career. Chubb is known for his chunk running and special burst that comes out of his powerful style. He is a good finisher in the red zone and can take any carry the distance. He bolstered his rsum after being traded to the Patriots in 2004, racking up a career-high 1,635 rush yards and 12 TDs in his first season in New England. While I have you: Put Coryell in the Hall of . With respect to Tom Jackson and Rod Smith, Gradishar remains the greatest Bronco who is still waiting for his place in Canton. But eight significant injuries -- the last one placing him on injured reserve in 2019 -- resulted in Martin playing in his last regular season game at just 29 years old. Maurice Jones-Drew reveals his top five rushing duos in the NFL this season. There's a bevy of top-end defensive players sitting atop the draft board Friday night. He doesn't offer much as a receiver but he gets the yards that are there with good burst. Was the running back the best player at his position for a multi-year span? McNeil was the stud running back for the team who made quarterback Richard Todd look good. Stevenson was touted as a power back out of Oklahoma but showed he could be complete as a rookie, to the point he may pick up injured James White's key receiving snaps in 2022 to split more of the work with Harris. He retired as the Minnesota Vikings' all-time leading rusher. The AFL's leader in touchdown catches the following season, Taylor helped the Chiefs capture their first Super Bowl win at the end of the 1969 season. He enjoyed significantly more success in Cincinnati, where he tallied three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons while helping theBengalsclinch two playoff berths and a division title. Craving even more NFL coverage focusing on previews, recaps, news and analysis? Copyright 2000-2023 Sports Reference LLC. Three of Ward's four consecutive Pro Bowl selections came with different quarterbacks: Kordell Stewart (2001), Tommy Maddox (2002-03) and a rookie namedBen Roethlisberger(2004). Andrews rushed for a career-high 1,567 yards in 1983 before his injury. Brooks excelled at running, receiving and kickoff returns. 2021 stats: 237 carries, 1,002 rushing yards, 4.2 yards per carry, 47 receptions on 65 targets, 287 receiving yards, 12 total TDs. So, uh, can we put him in? Did the player and his team have postseason success. Here is part of the last pair of teammates to make the cut. See the full pecking order. A 2017 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee, Tomlinson led the NFL in rushing two times and rushing touchdowns three times. Use without license or authorization is expressly prohibited. If he didn't detour into the USFL, it's not hard to imagine him in Canton. 2021 stats: 219carries, 937 rushing yards, 4.3 yards per carry, 18 receptions on 20 targets, 154 receiving yards, 10 total TDs. Lynch ran through his opponents (See: Beast Quake vs. Saints) and made the Seahawks one of the scariest rushing attacks during their heyday. But he's currently 19th all time in rushing yardage. 26-50 6. Shady will be remembered as one of the toughest players to tackle in the open field and one of the best at the position in his prime. With that in mind, we decided to rank each running back that was selected in the first round between 2000-20. Taylor ranks 17th all-time in rushing yards (11,695), and every non-active running back above him in that list is already in the Hall. Philadelphia may like to run the ball, but the Eagles are never willing to pay a premium at this position. He ran for a career-high 1,047 yards and 10 touchdowns that included a franchise-record 228 yards against the Rams. He handled a high volume and earned everything he could despite a limited downfield passing game and some blocking issues. He was putting up those numbers while helping the St. Louis Rams to two Super Bowls, winning one in 1999. While he helped the Steelers advance to the Super Bowl that season, Mendenhall's most infamous NFL moment occurred whenClay Matthewsjarred the ball loose from his arms during a pivotal moment in Super Bowl XLV (the Steelers ended up losing, 31-25). This is where the line in most all-time best running back conversations is drawn. Terrell Davis deservedly was named to the Hall of Fame based on three historic seasons, before an ACL tear derailed his career. Tasker's brilliance was on display during the opening minutes of Super Bowl XXVII. Tomlinson was named league MVP in 2006 after scoring an NFL-record 31 touchdowns. Taylor has been eligible for seven years now. We have tools and resources that can help you use sports data. And while an injury in 2007 contributed to his 2009 release, McAllister was added to the Saints' roster prior to the team's Super Bowl win over the Colts. That season, Perry caught 51 passes, the most by a Bengals running back since James Brooks in 1986. Najee Harriswas quite pleased upon being selected by the Steelers in this year's NFL Draft. Who has the best hands? 1: Priest Holmes -- Perhaps the most mysterious back of all-time, he burst upon the scene with three of the most productive seasons ever, and then disappeared, just as quickly. Take a look at some of the best photos from the thirteenth day of Chargers Training Camp 2021. Dolphins (2005-10); Eagles (2011); Chargers (2012-14); Texans (2014). HOF-eligible for a decade-plus, George was named a semifinalist back in November for the first time. He was an absolute force out of the backfield, and I witnessed Taylor's greatness firsthand in Jacksonville over my first three seasons in the league (2006-08). A former fifth-round pick, Thomas was one of the NFL's most productive players during his dozen seasons in Miami. 2021 stats:332 carries, 1,811 rushing yards, 5.5 yards per carry, 40 receptions on 51 targets, 360 receiving yards, 20 total TDs. Richardson averaged just 3.3 yards per carry during his three-year career. Ironically, Dayne's best season was his last; he rushed for 773 yards and six touchdowns while averaging 4 yards per carry for the Texans. But he was one of the most productive backs of his era. PART OF AUDACY SPORTS. Montgomery makes this list based on his cumulative production vs. his limited efficiency as a runner and pass-catcher. A key member of theBroncos' 2013 AFC championship team, Moreno rushed for over 1,000 yards that season after missing half of the 2012 campaign with a torn ACL. Two years later, Brown set career highs with six rushing touchdowns and 751 all-purpose yards. He helped engine the Titans to the Super Bowl in 1999, and finished his career with over 10,000 yards on the ground. In 12 seasons, he rushed for 10,413 yards and 85 rushing touchdowns (16th all time), and his 12 postseason rushing TDs are tied for fourth-most in NFL history alongside Hall of Famers Terrell Davis and John Riggins. While he would never come close to duplicating his success of 2002, Bennett still managed to carve out a 10-year career. Copyright 2023 Sporting News Holdings Limited. It might have been a blessing for him not to be misused in that mess of an Urban Meyer-Darrell Bevell offense. After sharing a backfield with Marion Barber at the University of Minnesota, Maroney shared one with Kevin Faulk in New England. Muncie tied the single-season record with 19 touchdowns in 1981. (AP Photo/David Drapkin), The aforementioned Dunn lost a lot of touchdown runs to Alstott. Saints (2011-18); Ravens (2019-20); Texans (2021). One of two former Auburn running backs selected in the first round, Williams won Offensive Rookie of the Year after rushing for nearly 1,200 yards. NFL Draft Day 2: Best defensive players available. Barkley is looking to reclaim his spot as arguably the NFL's top running back after an injury wiped out most of his 2020 season. A score of 100 is around the average modern-era inductee. He had seven seasons with at least 1,100 rushing yards. Although 2022 is no different with Kenyan Drake and Georgia rookie Zamir White behind him in the new Josh McDaniels' offense, his more steady than spectacular play may turn out to be the best complement for a more dangerous passing game featuring Davante Adams. Dobbins also saw his entire 2021 season wiped out by a torn ACL ahead of what felt like a potential big Year 2. But to hear greats like Barry Sanders tell it, Dupree might have been the best running back to come out of Oklahoma. The SPORTS REFERENCE and STATHEAD trademarks are owned exclusively by Sports Reference LLC. Craig's piston-pumping high knees were one of the signature styles of the decade, and he was the perfect weapon for Bill Walsh's creative offense. He averaged better than 4.5 yards per carry during his peak years. CBS Sports is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. Commissioner.com is a registered trademark of CBS Interactive Inc. site: media | arena: nfl | pageType: stories | Jacobs posted the best rookie season by aRaidersrunning back sinceMarcus Allen's1982 campaign.
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