Rookie undrafted free agents Mataeo Durant and Jaylen Warren offer the most intrigue behind McFarland at the moment, and thats saying all that needs to be said. Our list will focus more on the names each team has as opposed to the "run offenses" themselves, although those will certainly be taken into consideration. Farabaugh. PFF is projecting Harris to an RB11 finish, which is on par with his ADP of RB11 and 28th overall player getting off PPR-league draft boards. Benny Snell Jr. is the backup running back as of now. Baltimore Ravens. Below, we will rank the running back talent division by division. Stay in touch with our site and follow all AFC North news here. February 24, 2023 12:41 pm PT. Transactions | Injuries Carter. Crawling to an RB1 Role: Kenyan Drake, Las Vegas Raiders. The Washington Commanders placed the franchise tag on defensive tackle Daron Payne, paying him almost $19 million if a long-term deal isn't worked out.Payne earned 11.5 sacks in 2022. I predict both have better seasons in 2022 even with the addition of A.J. In the early stages of the offseason, Miami has moved on from their defensive coordinator and three different positional coaches. The Seattle Seahawks have some glaring holes at a few spots and others where adding some additional depth will be the priority. Add in soft hands and good pass protection skills and Perine is an ideal third-down back who can come in on earlier downs in the pinch. Harris was the most-targeted player at the position in 2021 (96 targets), resulting in 466 yards (5th), 0.97 yards per route run (34th), and a 97.3 passer rating when targeted (24th). 6-keys: media/spln/nfl/reg/free/stories, By pressing sign up, I confirm that I have read and agree to the. For now, they are based on each team's most likely win-loss record, beginning with the . Apart from the two studs, there's credit to go around for the Jaguars and Texans. I'm not so sure the blame can be put solely on him, as the offensive line hasn't played all that well either. That has to factor intos the equation here. There is a conspiracy that there was an issue with the turf given the turmoil of the Ravens injury problems last year. 7. Steelers' ground game during his rookie season in 2021, as he was the only running back to play greater than 70 percent of the teams offensive snaps. Hes an exceptional talent with the football in his hands and has really helped transform the Browns from a laughing stock into a team that is well-built on paper. Which player earns the No. . (Photo by Mark Goldman/Icon Sportswire), Gus Edwards has earned a good reputation as a backup option for the Ravens. Nick Chubb is a force of nature. Falcons: TEs Dominate, DL Destroyed (+), Steelers Re-Sign OLB Jamir Jones for 2023, Steelers Re-Sign Long Snapper Christian Kuntz, Steelers Bring Back OLB Quincy Roche for 2023, Steelers Sign Penn State Alum Dan Chisena, Titans Sign OL John Leglue from Steelers Practice Squad. Hes not the same player who was a serious threat with the Chiefs when he came into the league in 2017. 53 while Henry followed close behind at No. The list of the top tight ends in the NFL in 2022 contains a few future Hall of Famers and many TEs on the ascent. Earlier this week, we ranked the 14 projected starting quarterbacks on the Falcons' 2022 schedule. In a division like it having a great running back is absolutely a necessity given where the teams are located, bad weather is almost a guarantee. The Eagles had the No. McKissic. The Ground Index presented by FedEx ranks NFL running back performances all season long. Houston unearthed a gem in Pierce. The opportunities for Dobbins should be plenty on a Ravens offense that had a 56:44 pass-to-run ratio and finished 6th in rushing success rate (44.3 percent) in 2021. NICK CHUBB, CLEVELAND BROWNS. Even with having Kareem Hunt to back him Chubb is definitely more impactful. I believe Najee will have an even better year. Harris has the best potential ROI among all four starters in the division (assuming Hunt is an RB2, which he is literally but not really--draft Hunt, please). Hopefully, he keeps this ride steady and duplicates that level of production in London. For one, Edwards is coming off of an ACL tear, which puts him in more contentious waters than a healthy Johnson. His 7.3 yards per total target (combined rushing and receiving) is the top of any returning back in the division. RB2: Isaiah Spiller. Maurice Jones-Drew identifies five running backs who can save their teams' seasons down the stretch. Ravens Running Backs Must be Relied On. Badie and Hill profile as the homerun threats, though Hill could be on the outs quickly based on the moves the Ravens made at the position this offseason. He also has the data profile to match up. Here is MJD's list heading into Week 5. Former NFL rushing leader and NFL Network analyst Maurice Jones-Drew will survey all running backs and rank his top 15 each week of the 2022 season. 2005-2023 CBS INTERACTIVE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. May 17, 2022. 2021 Season Stats 307 carries 1,200 yards 7 touchdowns 3.9 ypc. 1 spot? He was not necessarily the most efficient running back with a number 34 overall finish in rush success rate (49 percent) and 35th finish in DVOA (-4.8 percent, Football Outsiders), but he was impactful in breaking tackles and after contact. I expect Cook to take advantage of the worst run defense in the NFL. That contract paid off during the 2022 season, where Mixon had his best season for the Queen City. The Dolphins went out in free agency and signed three running backs with legitimate starting experience to support Tua Tagovailoa, and the Patriots have a solid stable of players who helped Mac Jones plenty during his rookie campaign. Carter, Counterpoint: DErnest Johnson over Gus Edwards, Putting Johnson over Gus Edwards is a debate that is a tough one, but it is made easier by a few things. 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It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. 2.4 Pittsburgh Steelers. Sanders proved to everyone he's able to be an every-down back in Week 4. 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 | Chubb possesses all of the attributes coveted in a modern-day running back with elite elusiveness, vision, and power. It was all Pierce on Sunday. The regular season is right around the corner and each team's depth chart is mostly complete! 1 spot? So naturally, after a rough Week 3, he stayed right on cue with 110 yards on just 16 carries the next week. For the third straight season, I have the Cleveland Browns and the duo of Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt holding down the top billing here in the AFC North. . Cincinnati Bengals. It's a group that should be even better in 2022. Maurice Jones-Drew assesses the Hall of Fame candidacies of Ezekiel Elliott and Derrick Henry, two running backs who could pass him on the all-time rushing leaderboard in Week 16. Ive said it before and Ill say it again: Chubb is the best pure running back in football, bar none. 2022 stats:4 games | 84 att | 463 rush yds | 5.5 ypc | 2 rush TD | 15 rec | 107 rec yds | 0 rec TD | 0 fumbles lost. He may have only started one game, but theres a respect for what the third-year running back out of Ohio State brings to the table. 2022 stats: 4 games | 76 att | 306 rush yds | 4.0 ypc | 3 rush TD | 8 rec | 91 rec yds | 0 rec TD | 0 fumbles lost. Since then Chubb has put up 3 consecutive 1,000 yard seasons and at least 8 touchdowns. He's a rusher engineered precisely for PPR leagues, and he's always undervalued, having a couple of top-30 seasons in his career (RB27 in 2018 and RB15 last season). This backfield can turn into a fantasy headache, I know, but keep an eye out for a potential bargain in Drake given his seemingly RB2 role as most fantasy GMs see it. Thats truly incredible. When things have gone sideways, it has been DErnest Johnson to come in to play at a high level. It is emblematic of the Ravens over the years and while Davis, now a true veteran, lacks some athletic traits as others on this list, his all-around game and elite vision allow him to carve out a role in the NFL. Ravens Can Take Former No. 2022 11:37 am CT. The New York Giants lost running backs coach DeAndre Smith to the Indianapolis Colts last week but it didn't take them long to find a replacement. Hines, on the other hand, will still be 25-years-old next year and playing just his fourth season as a pro. Gibson has already proven he's a talented back, but how Washington handles its rotation will be something to watch this upcoming season. That is why Johnson ever so slightly beats out Edwards in my rankings. In the second installment, we are going to rank the starting running backs in the division. , The Browns, despite having two very good running backs in Kareem Hunt and Nick Chubb, have dealt with plenty of injuries in their backfield over the past few years. 2021 Season Stats 228 carries 1,259 yards 8 touchdowns 5.5 ypc. Plus, see which team now has TWO players in MJD's top 15 RB rankings. Temporibus autem quibusdam et aut officiis debitis aut rerum necessitatibus saepe eveniet. Behind Chubb, Kareem Hunt is a terrific backup in the league. Since coming into the league in 2018 Chubb has made his presence felt. Harris issues in 2021 were emblematic of the Steelers entire offensive struggles, as well. Its a star-studded position in the AFC North, which made this years version of my Ranking the Rooms: AFC North RBs series rather hard to boil down. Plus, how far did Josh Jacobs climb in MJD's top 15 RB rankings after a huge performance last week? While everybody is focusing on team win totals, let's be a little more specific here with some bold predictions and go out on a limb for each team, giving some takes that will be specific to PFF grades and some that are more general. Playing in rainy conditions that dictated a run-heavy game plan, he took advantage. He had some off the field issues which is what led to the slide because, he was actually a projected first round pick. We respect your privacy and take protecting it seriously, Putting Johnson over Gus Edwards is a debate that is a tough one, but it is made easier by a few things. But ahead of the 2021 season suffered a season ending injury. The Jets also have two young running backs that will certainly be wanted in fantasy football leagues in Hall and Carter. Hunts set to be a free agent after this season and will be 28 to start next year. Can the Eagles improve their No. Patterson deserves credit for last season, even if he can't build on it. San Francisco 49ers (Elijah Mitchell, Jeff . This isn't a list that's simply pulled from one person's brain in an effort to give the position some form of a ranking, either. He rushed for 1,200 yards, was targeted an eye-popping 94 times in the passing game and scored 10 total touchdowns. Najee Harris' spot at the start isn't in question but the backs behind . Harris has the talent to perform more efficiently than he did in 2021, but until he turns that ability into productivity at the NFL level, its hard to rank him above the two established performers ahead of him. Penny has been good when healthy, and Walker is one of the rookies this year who could make an immediate impact. Today, we rank the starting running backs for each opponent Atlanta will face this season. Mixon also made an impact in the passing game with the 7th-most targets (68) and 10th-most receiving yards (421) at the position. 2023 NFL Enterprises LLC. Brown. Averaging nearly 115 rush yards per game through Week 4, he's one of the main reasons the Browns are atop the AFC North. 1. The running back position has changed in a big way over the last few years. Kyle Wagner started writing for Gridiron Heroics in August of 2022. The 2022 group of Bengals running backs will be similar if not the same as the 2021 group. July 5, 2022 8:10 am ET. AFC North. He recorded 1,266 yards from scrimmage last year and tied a career-high with 10 touchdowns. After torching the Seahawks for 108 yards and 2 TDs on 19 carries in Week 4, Williams leads the league in rushing TDs. Ravens Free Agency: Baltimore Expected to Add Depth at Running Back News & Observer, North Carolina 11:34 26-Feb-23. AFC North divisional winner prediction for 2022. In addition to the trade of quarterback Carson Wentz, Washington signed star wide receiver Terry McLaurin to an extension, drafted Jahan Dotson in the first round and re-signed running back J.D. And all he's done so far is playing the pass-back role to perfection. The DCs project the real-life pecking order expected to be used by head coaches at the respective franchises, not where RotoWire projects those players to finish in fantasy leagues. 30 Austin Ekeler; 40 Zander Horvath FB; 25 Joshua Kelley; 28 Isaiah Spiller; Wide receivers. The best days could be ahead for Minnesota Vikings tailback Dalvin Cook, who landed in the top-five of ESPN's compiled list of the best running backs in the NFL. He is due $11 million in cash . For some context, he forced a missed tackle once every 18 attempts and generated 2.96 yards after contact per attempt, which was top-25 among qualifiers. Heading toward the start of free agency, front offices around the league will be analyzing their rosters position by position to determine their team needs ahead of the 2023 season. Additionally, Hall sprinted to a 4.39 40 time at 5'11" and 217 pounds and posted an astounding 40 vertical. Williams has 47 career touches in the NFL. Bengals Depth Chart. Chubb has rushed for at least 190 carries, at least 996 yards and at least eight touchdowns in each of his four seasons. Arizona Cardinals: James Conner, Darrel Williams, Eno BenjaminSan Francisco 49ers: Elijah Mitchell, Jeff Wilson Jr., Tyrion Davis-Price, Trey Sermon, JaMycal HastySeattle Seahawks: Rashaad Penny, Kenneth Walker III, Chris CarsonLos Angeles Rams: Cam Akers, Darrell Henderson Jr. Buy Vikings Tickets. Maybe it was because they faced the dismal Lions defense. But his career average of 4.1 yards per carry is pedestrian compared to Chubb and others on this list. Farabaugh, Perines stats dont jump off the page given Joe Mixons high usage rate, but when he is on the field, Perine is a high-level backup running back. The Broncos will move forward with Gordon, who's had fumbling issues, Mike Boone and new addition Latavius Murray. Ads help us pay RotobBaller's award-winning writers as much as possible they are vital to the site's operations and team. Seeing a trend? Jones is no longer on roster, so the rookie Rachaad White or Ke'Shawn Vaughn could play a role in 2022. Maurice Jones-Drew reveals his top five rushing duos in the NFL this season. 8); Leonard Fournette, Buccaneers (No. Call 1-800-GAMBLER (PA/IL) or 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN only) or 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA only) or 1-800-522-4700 (CO Only) or TN REDLINE: 800-889-9789. Having a guy like that at No. Second, Johnsons elusiveness takes him to another level. The first reaction was to call that a proper fit. As for Ekeler, he's a bonafide dual-threat weapon, and recorded a career-high 1,558 yards from scrimmage and 20 touchdowns last year. Hes a special player. The Browns' offense may favor the pass at a higher clip in 2022 with Deshaun Watson under center (6th lowest passing play percentage in 2021 at 54 percent), but Chubb will still get his fair share of carries and further cement himself among the elite at the position. Bengals News & Rumors. Please note that the charts below are based on individual team depth charts and come from RotoWire's projected starting units. Can Kenny Pickett, Jordan Addison Form Next Burrow-Chase Combo? Or is he? Nick Chubb finished first the AFC North in 2021 with 1,259 rushing yards, despite finishing third with 228 carries. He has a great balance of speed and power. Yards and at least 190 carries, at least 8 touchdowns 5.5 ypc supported browser in order receive... But the backs behind ( no, but how Washington handles its will... 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