NFL Rankings: 10 best running backs in the league
By Brad Rowland
Honorable Mentions
- Reggie Bush, Detroit Lions – Bush was drafted second overall in the 2006 NFL Draft, and while that raised expectations to unfathomable levels, he has been incredibly productive in recent seasons. In 2013, the now 29-year-old accumulated more than 1,500 total yards, and few players at the position are as dangerous as a receiving threat.
- Alfred Morris, Washington – Morris was the complete opposite of Bush in terms of expectations, but with another 1,200+ yard season in 2013, he has exceeded all of them. There is some skepticism about his level of explosion, but Morris is a powerful downhill runner who uses blocks and churns out consistent yardage.
- DeMarco Murray, Dallas Cowboys – The biggest knock on the 26-year-old Murray is a lack of durability, but after a 14-game slate last season, perhaps he will begin to shed that label. Murray has a 4.9 yards per carry average for his career, and he is incredibly explosive and quick with the ball in his hands.
- C.J. Spiller, Buffalo Bills – Spiller may be the fastest running back in the league, and if this ranking was done a year ago, he would have been much, much higher. However, the former Clemson star dipped to less than 1,000 rushing yards last year with nagging injuries, and he’ll have to earn playing time over veteran stalwart Fred Jackson in Buffalo.
- Ben Tate, Cleveland Browns – Tate is probably the “sleeper” name on this list, but he is incredibly powerful and explosive with the ball in his hands. At 25 years old, he will finally have a chance to be the primary ball-carrier in Cleveland, and if he can duplicate his career 4.7 yards per carry average, the Browns will be thoroughly pleased.