His best season came with the Eagles in 2013, when he led the league in attempts (314), rush yards (1,607), rush yards per game (100.4), touches (366) and scrimmage yards (2,164). The Browns will lean on Chubb a lot again until Deshaun Watson can boost them at QB. 2: Eddie George -- He opened his career with five consecutive 1,000-yards campaigns, and then added two more over the course of his career. Maurice Jones-Drew evaluated every running back who started a game during the 2022 NFL regular season to create a COMPLETE ranking, from 1 to 75. McKinney's Bryan Jackson, rated the second-best running back in D-FW A score of 100 is around the average modern-era inductee. Just knowing that, hey, you're better than all these guys, it's just that you play running back.". Many football historians believe Jim Brown to be the greatest running back ever. Curt Warner, Seattle Seahawks/Los Angeles. The fourth-year running back was traded today to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for draft picks. Penny, who had been an injury-riddled disappointing first-rounder in 2018, exploded down the stretch as the sudden featured workhorse, shaking off plenty of past injury issues. A player who was truly ahead of his time, the 6-foot-3, 215-pound Taylor was one of the first receivers to fully use his physicality to his advantage. He was never the same after that. D.A. the Eagles were looking to trade for Henry. A throwback power back, Fournette helped lead theJaguarsto the brink of the Super Bowl as a rookie. Plus, an updated ranking of his top 15 running backs ahead of Week 17. All logos are the trademark & property of their owners and not Sports Reference LLC. Not one. In 1983, his final NFL season, the 36-year-old Riley recorded eight interceptions (returning two for scores) while earning his first career All-Pro selection. After missing the entire 2001 season with an injury, Lewis rushed for over 1,000 yards in six out of the next seven seasons. Taylor has parlayed his prolific play at Wisconsin into the complete durable package in the NFL. Tasker's brilliance was on display during the opening minutes of Super Bowl XXVII. 2021 stats: 188 carries, 870 rushing yards, 4.6 yards per carry, 40 receptions on 50 targets, 228receiving yards, 8 total TDs. We present them here for purely educational purposes. Brooks excelled at running, receiving and kickoff returns. In a Hall-of-Fame career . 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. And despite a solid 2003 season in Washington, Canidate was released after the team traded for former Broncos Pro Bowler Clinton Portis. Even though, you know, the USFL was pro football. A menacing pass rusher, Greenwood sacked Roger Staubach a record four times in the Steelers' Super Bowl X victory over theCowboys. Dallas Cowboys star running back Ezekiel Elliott has stated that his goal is to rush for 10,000 yards and collect a spot in the Hall of Fame. Ranking every NFL running back drafted in Round 1 since 2000: LaDainian To me, this all really comes down to the two general managers who would have to make this potential trade work: The seasoned front-office executive Howie Roseman of the Eagles and the newcomer Ran Carthon now of the Titans. Jaguars (2017-19); Buccaneers (2020-Present). George had the individual production, including seven seasons with 300-plus carries and 1,000-plus rush yards, but he also helped the Tennessee Titans reach the franchise's first Super Bowl in the modern era. If his early years weren't languished in the football graveyard of St. Louis, he would no doubt be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Williams might be the No. Top 10 Running Backs Not in the Pro Football Hall of Fame The players listed below are the top 250 HOFm-rated players who played RB starting in 1955 or later for at least 50 career games. But he's currently 19th all time in rushing yardage. 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). Hall of Fame running back and Chargers legend LaDainian Tomlinson knows a thing or two about the trenches. 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. Tre Hodges-Tomlinson's hopes to continue family's NFL legacy 1 at the top of his RB rankings. A backup in 2001, McAllister became the Saints' starting running back after the team traded Ricky Williams in 2002. Who is the best NFL running back in history? - NBC Sports Bay Area 1 on this list and he should be headed to his biggest all-around season yet with his expanded role in a Kevin O'Connell offensive scheme tailored to his rushing and receiving strengths. 2021 stats:207 carries, 963 rushing yards, 4.7 yards per carry, 19 receptions on 20 targets, 137 receiving yards, 6 total TDs. Injuries and the emergence of 2017 seventh-round pickChris Carsonhave severely limited Penny's NFL production. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. You saw the ESPN doc on him, so you can't deny this. The player Riley is often compared to isCharles Woodson, who will receive a gold jacket this summer. Gore's career production alone merits a gold jacket. How good was Lewis? But he also made an impact on every team he played for -- on the field and in the locker room. But he was one of the most productive backs of his era. Sorry, but Frank Gore doesn't belong in the Pro Football Hall of Fame section: | slug: nfls-top-20-players-not-in-the-hall-of-fame-torry-holt-zach-thomas-ken-anderson-headline-all-time-list | sport: football | route: article_single.us | Montgomery makes this list based on his cumulative production vs. his limited efficiency as a runner and pass-catcher. Anderson was a true stud in every sense of the word. Hayes won Defensive Player of the Year in 1980 while leading the NFL with 13 interceptions. Pitta was the best tight end in college football in 2009, but the Mackey Award voters opted to give the award to Aaron Hernandez from Florida instead. Smith's extreme competitiveness more than made up for his 5-foot-9, 195-pound frame. He also will be key in offsetting the passing game changes for Rodgers and the former Boston College runner has proved he can remain prolific in a favorable system. 9. 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. If you want to recognize him for being a guy who hung around longer than most big backs, fine. 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. As a rookie, he started over future All-Pro Priest Holmes. McCaffrey is looking to bounce back after an injury sidelined him for all but three games in 2020. (AP Photo/Greg Trott), Davis' bid for the Pro Football Hall of Fame is hurt because his career ended so abruptly. Not hating on any of those guys. He was the Steelers' No. He has enjoyed a career resurgence with theBuccaneers, as Tampa Bay went 7-0 with Fournette in its starting lineup during the 2020 season. He may have four more good years left, or he may only have one. 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. While he continuously battled through injury, McFadden still managed to amass 1,664 all-purpose yards for the Raiders in 2010. Jones enjoyed a solid yet unspectacular six-year NFL career. D.A.'s Top-5 best running backs not in the HOF - Audacy Singletary emerged as a reliable workhorse down the stretch to complement the high-volume passing game. Will the Cowboys or Packers tandem earn the No. 2023 Audacy, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Listing each NFL team's best all-time non-Hall of Fame player (AP Photo/Duncan Livingston), Watters was the perfect fit for the San Francisco 49ers offense; a guy who had the ability to run the ball and catch it out of the backfield. The players listed below are the top 250 HOFm-rated players who played RB starting in 1955 or later for at least 50 career games. He can be an older Dillon to Williams' younger Jones. So, uh, can we put him in? He is the 2022 Jim Thorpe Award winner, given to the nation's best defensive back. The Titans came within 1 yard(!) After holding off Zack Moss for key touches, he will need to do the same again vs. rookie James Cook. Jones didn't have a chance against Tasker, who beat Jones on an inside move before blocking Mike Saxon's punt. 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. But his production plummeted after breaking his collarbone during the 2014 season. Oh wait, you don't have to wonder at all. Dobbins also saw his entire 2021 season wiped out by a torn ACL ahead of what felt like a potential big Year 2. The owner of the iconic "Beast Quake" run in the 2010 playoffs, Lynch was among the league's best running backs from 2011-14. He is probably the top candidate to replace Ryan Day at his alma mater should Ohio State turn on Urban Meyers latest and greatest disciple. "From a running back's perspective, you build chemistry out here in practice first," Tomlinson reflected. The NFL might be considered a passing league now, but the best running backs still have incredible value to their teams. RB Index: Eight running backs deserving of Hall of Fame recognition - NFL Expect Penny to be threatened, however, for key touches by rookie Ken Walker. 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. Johnson tallied six 1,000-yard campaigns in Nashville before spending one season with theJets. No. (AP Photo/Kevin Terrell), That's right, Bo Jackson is the greatest running back not in the Hall of Fame. His success that season helped the Seahawks advance to their first Super Bowl. That being said, he didn't love seeing 23 players get selected before his name was called. Thomas Jones was an outstanding running back who had a stellar 12-year NFL career in which he rushed for over 10,000 yards. Chubb is known for his chunk running and special burst that comes out of his powerful style. No. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. Take a look at the best photos from the red carpet. The seven-time Pro Bowler and four-time All-Pro has 120 career rushing TDs to his name, and the 36-year-old (turns 37 in March) is determined to keep climbing the stat sheet. In fact, that 1994 season kicked off a seven-season stretch in which Watters had at least 1,500 scrimmage yards per year -- the second-longest streak in NFL history. Injuries and off-field issues led to a significant drop in production after the 2006 season. HOF-eligible for a decade-plus, George was named a semifinalist back in November for the first time. While he never became a full-time starter, Brown managed to put together a semi-productive seven-year career. 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. The 10,000-yard plateau is a good one to cross for that gold jacket. Addai posted consecutive 1,000-yard seasons during his first two years with the Colts. There's a bevy of top-end defensive players sitting atop the draft board Friday night. Browns RB Jim Brown | Cleveland Browns - clevelandbrowns.com This is where the line in most all-time best running back conversations is drawn. 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. During that span, Tasker helped the Bills become the first franchise to appear in four consecutive Super Bowls. Some think he's faded and lost too many steps and believe his best is buried behind him. 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). 2021 stats (at Iowa State):253 carries, 1,472 rushing yards, 5.8 yards per carry, 36 receptions, 302 receiving yards, 23 total TDs. Pro Football RB Hall of Fame Monitor In 2014, following teammateDeAngelo Williams' injury, Stewart gained nearly 1,000-purpose yards while receiving a then-career high eight starts. The fifth-leading rusher in NFL history, Peterson is a three-time rushing champion and member of the NFL's All-2010s Team. He also could handle a bigger role in the passing game if needed, which might be the case if the team moves Kareem Hunt. A three-time Pro Bowler (and two-time All-Pro) during his first four seasons, Gurley led the NFL in rushing touchdowns in consecutive years while helping theRamsreach the Super Bowl in 2018. . (AP Photo/Al Golub), The "Nigerian Nightmare" emerged from obscure NAIA Azusa Pacific and became a force for the Kansas City Chiefs for a number of seasons. A key member of the "Hogs," Jacoby helped Washington win each of its three Super Bowl titles. Please see our Contributors and Sources page for data source details. section: | slug: ranking-every-nfl-running-back-drafted-in-round-1-since-2000-ladainian-tomlinson-leads-the-list | sport: football | route: article_single.us | Three years later, he helped the Saints win the franchise's only Super Bowl title. With respect to Tom Jackson and Rod Smith, Gradishar remains the greatest Bronco who is still waiting for his place in Canton. 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). He's been a semifinalist for three straight years but has yet to be named a finalist. Predicting whether or not Derrick Henry will be traded by end of NFL Draft (He won his second in Tampa last season). A three-time Pro Bowler, Ingram enjoyed considerable success in New Orleans before rushing for 1,018 yards and 10 touchdowns for theRavensin 2019. 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. The Saints have had to lean more on Kamara's rushing on top of his consistent receiving in the past two seasons and he's proved to have the legs for it, even with some missed time. He returned to put together consecutive 1,000-yard seasons that included a 1,273-yard, 13 touchdown campaign in 2010. Left and right arrows move across top level links and expand / close menus in sub levels. Copyright 2023 Sporting News Holdings Limited. He was a six-time Pro Bowl selection. TD. 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. For whatever the reason, there are numerous deserving players who are still hoping to earn a spot in football immortality. Harris has operated as a reliable power back for McDaniels and he will remain the early-down and red zone back of choice in New England behind some sturdy blocking, assuming he stays in New England. In 2009, Johnson became the sixth member of the NFL's 2,000-yard club after rushing for a league-high 2,006 yards. Enter and space open menus and escape closes them . 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. He is smart and. 26-50 6. In 1985, he became the first running back in NFL history to top 1,000 yards in both receiving and rushing. George was one of the most physical backs ever. Faulk's statistics weren't just gaudy numbers for a bad team. Beyond being dynamos in the rushing attack, the most talented players at the position are also key contributors as receivers and pass blockers. Here is part of the last pair of teammates to make the cut. Cleveland Browns Hall of Fame running back Jim Brown (32) is pictured in Cleveland, circa 1960s. . He topped 1,500 yards back in 2000, when he finished third in the MVP vote. 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). Patience would be an appropriate word to describe the 2022 Pro Football Hall of Fame induction class. Nobody could stop him on the football field. Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans (1996-2003), Dallas Cowboys (2004). He then resurfaced in Arizona, where he was theCardinals' leading rusher before an injury prematurely ended his 2015 season. Hall of Fame RBs | Pro Football Hall of Fame - pfhof (National Football League), Before there was Kurt Warner, Curt was a pretty fair running back for the Seattle Seahawks. And while his career was short, Wilson did set aGiantsfranchise record for total yards gained in a game when he amassed 327 yards in a 2012 win over theSaints. Philadelphia Eagles (2009-2014), Buffalo Bills (2015-18), Kansas City Chiefs (2019), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2020). Some think he's prime to return to some early-career form playing off a more explosive passing game with the blocking also reset to be more in his favor. He handled a high volume and earned everything he could despite a limited downfield passing game and some blocking issues. With some help from Michael Thomas and others to take pressure off him in the passing game again, he should see some familiar favorable running lanes. In 2002, he was named the AFC's Offensive Player of the Year, and finished fourth in the MVP vote. D'Andre Swift Trade: Social Media Reactions Pour In After Eagles Land A first round pick by Oakland in 1970, Jack Tatum was brought in to be Dave Grayson's replacement. Take a look at some of the best photos from the thirteenth day of Chargers Training Camp 2021. (National Football League), Green was a four-time Pro Bowl running back for the Green Bay Packers and led the NFC in rushing in 2003. Canidate never played in another NFL game. However, he only spent three of those years with the . 2021 stats: 203carries, 903 rushing yards, 4.4 yards per carry, 43 receptions on 53 targets, 316 receiving yards, 7 total TDs. Nevertheless, what follows is a list of the 10 greatest franchise running backs of all time. Maurice Jones-Drew identifies five running backs who can save their teams' seasons down the stretch. In fact, he was the first Cowboys player to be selected to the All-Pro list (1962). Pollard has been the ideal change-of-pace back to support Elliott with his flashy running and fluid receiving. Knee problems may ultimately keep Gurley from going down as an all-time great. And really, if Jackson was selected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame would anybody question it? Thomas continued to have success with the Jets, where he posted three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons while earning his lone Pro Bowl selection in 2008. After four years in Atlanta, Duckett spent one season a piece in Washington, Detroit and Seattle. Willis packed a lot into a relatively short career. 2021 stats: 225 carries, 849 rushing yards, 3.8 yards per carry, 42 receptions on 51 targets, 301 receiving yards, 7 total TDs, Vinnie Iyer is an NFL writer at The Sporting News. He also led the NFL in touchdown receptions on two separate occasions.
