RANKING NFL RUNNING BACK ROOMS GOING INTO THE 2024 SEASON
As it stands there are still a couple of solid RBs on the market in the form of Kareem Hunt and Dalvin Cook. In a year we have seen some big named RBs move to new teams. This list will look a whole lot different than it would have going into last year! Let's check out what these teams have to offer!
- Las Vegas Raiders (Notable RBs: Zamir White & Alexander Mattison)
With respect to White and Mattison, the Raiders feel like they are missing a true number 1 RB. White and Mattison will certainly get you some yards, but they will not give you true RB1 production.
- Denver Broncos (Notable RBs: Javonte Williams & Jaleel McLaughlin)
If Williams played all season and kept up his averages would have finished under 1,000 yards. Similar to above, he gets the job done. People seem to believe Jaleel will see a breakout year. I just don't feel comfortable putting my money on it.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Notable RBs: Rachaad White & "Bucky Irving")
Similarly, Rachaad White has not produced what an RB1 should, so why is it the Buccaneers didn't pick up a free agent? I respect their 4th round pick out of Oregon, Bucky Irving. Is he really your only reliant though? White was obviously not the answer last year. He was not good starting half of the 2022 season. Why not take a chance on someone else? Their playoff window feels like it could be closing shortly, so for them to not go all in this year shocks me.
- New York Giants (Notable RBs: Devin Singletary)
Singletary has had solid runs. Never a fully "great" season. Had the Bills fully utilized him back in 2022, we may see him in a different light. I just don't see Singletary getting a fair chance to shine behind the horrendous Giants offensive line. Though he should see quite a few touches.
- Dallas Cowboys (Notable RBs: Ezekiel Elliott & Rico Dowdle)
When the Cowboys released Tony Pollard, it was believed they would be moving forward with a new RB, whether acquired through the draft or free agency. A move was not made to fill the position until well after the stars were gone. The Cowboys brought back Zeke. The 29-year-old has seen his numbers slowly decline over the last few years. Dowdle has not really been given his fair shake in the league. It should be interesting to see if he can make something of the opportunity.
- Tennessee Titans (Notable RBs: Tony Pollard & Tyjae Spears)
I respect the Titans decision to ditch Henry. Henry lost a step and behind their O-Line he would struggle like we saw last year. The Titans need to fix their O-Line to see much production at the RB position. I didn't love the move for Pollard, but also understand he was a cheap piece. Tyjae has a chance to further prove himself as a key piece in the passing game. He averaged 4.5 yards per carry on the ground as well. He has a chance to jump Pollard on the depth chart rather quickly.
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Notable RBs: Najee Harris & Jaylen Warren)
Despite Najee gaining over 1,000 yards in each of his first three season, the Steelers run game just feels in need of a spark. The Steelers felt like they were compensating for the inability in the passing game, by running far too often. Najee finally saw a little bit of life after the Steelers former OC, Matt Canada lost his position. Warren provides decent runs as a nice RB2. I need to see the Steelers new offense before I am willing to put my faith in the run game.
- New England Patriots (Notable RBs: Rhamondre Stevenson & Antonio Gibson)
The Patriots have never been a run heavy offense. I am very interested to see if they begin to transition into the role with new HC Jerrod Mayo. Stevenson has never had an issue gaining yards, averaging over 4 yards per carry in each of his first three seasons. In the other breath you have Gibson who puts up impressive numbers as well when given chance. They can certainly help the Patriots win some games if given a proper opportunity.
- Seattle Seahawks (Notable RBs: Kenneth Walker III & Zach Charbonnet)
My biggest worries come from Walker and his injuries. If walker can stay healthy, he will bring a strong run game. The issue is lack of depth. Charbonnet is fine, but nothing special. This run game relies on Walker and a healthy year this year.
- Houston Texans (Notable RBs: Joe Mixon & Dameon Pierce)
Truth be told, I am not a Mixon guy. He had a one great year surrounded by solid years. He is not bad, just not elite. Pierce shows flashes of a great talent but is not consistent. Fine RB room. The Texans needed a little boost in their run game last year. Let's see if Mixon can fill that.
- Carolina Panthers (Notable RBs: Chuba Hubbard & Miles Sanders)
I was shocked to see Hubbard above Sanders on the depth chart. The two RBs should have better a year behind an improved offensive line. I do not love the new HC, nor the GM, but they did invest in their O-line this season. It should give both RB's a chance to shine. Though, I hope they give majority touches to Sanders. He is a far superior runner compared to Hubbard.
- Indianapolis Colts (Notable RBs: Jonathan Taylor & Trey Sermon)
When Jonathan Taylor stays healthy, he can be a top 5 RB in the league. He has faced multiple injuries over the last two season, making his rushing record feel like forever ago. If he stays on the field, I expect him to continue his path of destruction under HC, Shane Steichen. As for Sermon, he has provided solid games for the Colts amid Taylor's injuries. He shows he has a place in the league, even if it is just as a RB2.
- Los Angeles Chargers (Notable RBs: Gus Edwards & J.K. Dobbins)
I questioned the Chargers pick up of this pair of former Raven's RBs. They are great when on the field. Unfortunately, they are not on the field often. Edwards averaged over 5 yards per attempt every year of his career with the exception of last year. Dobbins is a similar story. I fear Edwards might see a downwards spiral with his age. Dobbins just needs to worry about staying on the field. I expect to see a lot of the two RBs in the pass game with the Chargers lack of weapons.
- Cincinnati Bengals (Notable RBs: Chase Brown & Zack Moss)
I agree with the Bengals trading Mixon and picking up Moss. You will see me shout Moss's name from the rooftops. I think this year he will have a career year. The only reason I do not have them higher is The Bengals having Brown over Moss on the depth chart. Brown has done nothing of note on the field. Granted, he was not given much of a chance last year. I still believe Moss will be RB1 by week 8.
- Arizona Cardinals (Notable RBs: James Conner, "Trey Benson" & Deejay Dallas)
The Cardinals were not afraid to run the ball last year. Despite an injury to Conner. Conner is without a doubt the RB1, if he stays healthy, I expect a great year from him. Another name the Cardinals are hoping can produce is their 3rd round pick from Florida State, Trey Benson. Benson can play a factor in both the rushing and passing game for Arizona. Finally, is Deejay Dallas, who is no homerun hitter, but he knows how to put together some big runs.
- Washington Commanders (Notable RBs: Brian Robinson Jr. & Austin Ekeler)
The Commanders are under new ownership and are trying to put the pieces together. They went out and got veteran RB, Austin Ekeler. I have some questions about Ekler. His conditioning sees him on and off the field multiple times throughout a series. When he is on the field, he is a big difference maker. Former Chargers HC, Brandon Staley ran Ekler like crazy last season. It really hurt his stats. Ekler is a RB you put in for a big play, situationally. As for Robinson, I hope he can see a solid year despite a bad offensive line.
- Jacksonville Jaguars (Notable RBs: Travis Etienne Jr. & D'Ernest Johnson Jr.)
The Jags have Tank Bigsby above Johnson on the depth chart, but I do not see that lasting long. Bigsby has played poorly when given opportunities. Johnson on the other hand? Averaged over4.5 yards over his career. He had a poor year thanks to a horrendous O-line, but the Jags have made a couple of moves in hope to bolster it. Etienne is good, but again behind a poor O-line they really aren't giving their RBs a fair shot to help take pressure off Lawrence.
- Buffalo Bills (Notable RBs: James Cook)
The Bills finally started running the ball and it has paid off for them. James Cook averages 5 yards over his two seasons. I don't like the lack of depth at the position, but as long as Cook stays healthy, he will carry the Bills run game just fine.
- Minnesota Vikings (Notable RBs: Aaron Jones)
Minnesota picked up Aaron Jones from rival Green Bay. Aaron Jones despite his age has put up consistent numbers year in and year out. I expect another solid year from the RB. The O-line may not be as good as it was in Green Bay, but still a solid line, nonetheless. I also expect a lot of touches considering their current QB situation. Jones also plays a factor in the pass game. It should be fun to see how he does. At 29 years old, will his age catch up to him soon? Will his injuries last year linger? As good as he is, these are still questions fans have a right to ask.
- Kansas City Chiefs (Notable RBs: Isaiah Pacheco)
No disrespect to Edwards-Helaire, but this team is rightfully in the grasps of Pacheco. He is the only RB on the depth chart putting up RB1 numbers. Why the Chiefs are so low? If Pacheco goes down, so does the entire run game for the Chiefs. Depth matters, especially at this position. That being said, Pacheco had a breakout year, last year. The Chiefs had to find a way to implement a better scheme for their RBs to help stabilize the offense amid their poor receiving play.
- Chicago Bears (Notable RBs: D'Andre Swift & Khalil Herbert)
Swift has always been a solid RB. When he is given the ball, he will always get a nice pickup. Herbert, I thought would take the reins from David Montgomery, but was sharing touches to the point he could never get on a roll. I believe Herbert will have a breakout year this year. The Bears have fixed their O-line issues, only needing them to stay healthy. They have added amazing WRs and are hoping their rookie QB works out. This RB duo will help in taking some of the pressure off him.
- Green Bay Packers (Notable RBs: Josh Jacobs & AJ Dillon)
Josh Jacobs and Aaron Jones share similar production aside from a down year or two for Jacobs. I was surprised to see Green Bay pick up Jacobs. It felt like a "Why not just pay Jones instead?" Jones stats are slightly better, but with the help of the human bowling ball, AJ Dillon, I see the Packers running game edge out Jones and the Vikings.
- New Orleans Saints (Notable RBs: Alvin Kamara & Jamaal Williams)
Kamara gets a lot of hate following last season. He and Williams went from premier RBs to below average. A big factor in this is the horrendous Saints O-line. I am not sure I wanted to put them this high considering lack of work to improve the o-line, but as pure talents, I think we possibly see the offense run though these backs rather than the passing game unlike last year. The team is badly in need of an offensive play caller. Especially if they want a successful season.
- New York Jets (Notable RBs: Breece Hall)
I cannot put Hall any higher considering the Jet's depth are Hall and two rookies. Hall will put together a solid season behind a much-improved O-line. The Jets are also hoping their 4th round pick, Braelon Allen as well as their 5th round pick, Isaiah Davis pan out. If one of those two do work out, the Jets RB room should see a significant increase. They are just lacking depth.
- Cleveland Browns (Notable RBs: Nick Chubb & Jerome Ford)
The only reason the Browns are this low on the list is due to an ACL injury to Nick Chubb. It's an injury that leaves a team questioning if the player will come back the same in terms of production. Chubb has averaged over 5 yards every season of his career. If he can come back and bring similar performances, the Browns will be back in the top 5 without a question. As for Ford, he has proved himself in his role as a backup.
- Miami Dolphins (Notable RBs: Raheem Mostert & De'Von Achane)
Many people seem to believe Achane will be taking over the lead back role. I could not agree less. Mostert, who led the league in rushing TDs last year still has plenty left in the tank. His age is concerning for people, but until I see a decline in play on the field, I can't see the Dolphins changing plans much. Achane will undoubtedly get more touches, but I don't see the rushing TD leader being asked to step aside.
- Baltimore Ravens (Notable RBs: Derrick Henry & Keaton Mitchell)
Henry will be tremendous for the Ravens. The Ravens have lacked a consistently great back since Mark Ingram. Henry could be the key piece the Ravens are missing to make a deep playoff run. They also made the correct choice in keeping Keaton. He did not see the field much. On his 47 carries, he saw 396 yards. That puts him at 8.4 yards per carry. The Ravens made the right move betting on his upside rather than Dobbins or Edwards.
- Atlanta Falcons (Notable RBs: Bijan Robinson & Tyler Allgeier)
I give the slight edge to Bijan over Henry. Despite the Falcons picking up Kirk Cousins, I believe this offense runs through Bijan. Bijan should have a career year and begin his trend as a premier back in the league. Allgeier also brings nice runs to the table for this offense.
- Philadelphia Eagles (Notable RBs: Saquon Barkley, "Will Shipley," & Kenneth Gainwell)
Let me first say I LOVE the Eagles 4th round pick, Will Shipley. I believe he will prove himself to be a must-see RB. I also love the move for Saquon. Saquon has been trapped behind a bad O-line. He should have a career year behind this Eagles O-line. The downside to Barkley is that he tends to miss 3 or 4 games per year due lagging ankle injuries. Luckily the Eagles have that covered with Gainwell. Gainwell brings solid production. He is exactly who you want covering for Barkley if time is missed. The Eagles room has a perfect blend of veteran, experienced, and young.
- Los Angeles Rams (Notable RBs: Kyren Williams & "Blake Corum")
I know everyone loves the Blake Corum pick up, and I certainly think he has a future in the NFL, but this team is Kyren Williams'. Williams was great behind the improved O-line. The Rams once again added a key piece in Jonah Williams further bolstering this run-blocking group. I expect Williams to continue his trend and potentially be seen as a top 5 RB.
- San Fransisco 49ers (Notable RBs: Christian McCaffrey)
One man wrecking crew. McCaffrey is still the top RB in the league. When healthy he carries a team on his back like no other. He has not been seriously injured in a couple of years leading others to believe he may not see the whole year, but I cannot predict something like that. I put him at 2, because I do not love the depth at the position. If McCaffrey goes down, the run game for San Fransisco goes from best to below average.
- Detroit Lions (Notable RBs: Jahmyr Gibbs & David Montgomery)
Gibbs and Montgomery will show no signs of slowing down behind the best O-line in the league. HC Dan Campbell is aggressive and has the perfect tandem for an aggressive rushing attack. Gibbs made a more than impressive impression his rookie season, and Montgomery had a career year last year. They are the perfect duo!
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