NFL Rankings: 10 best running backs in the league

Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) talks with Philadelphia Eagles running back LeSean McCoy (25) following the game at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. The Vikings defeated the Eagles 48-30. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /

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Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte goes through a drill during training camp at Olivet Nazarene University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /

4) Matt Forte, Chicago Bears

Matt Forte is elite.

Often, Forte is described as “really effective” or “very versatile”, but under Mark Trestman, the former Tulane star sustained a full-on breakout to the elite class in 2013. As a receiver, he has been one of the best in the league at the position since his arrival as a rookie, with 50-or-more catches in each of his first four seasons, and again, he made a leap last season, when he caught a career-high 74 balls for nearly 600 yards to bring his total yardage near the mythical, 2,000-yard plateau.

It is certainly true that Forte does not possess a singular “elite” skill when compared to other NFL running backs, but he is soundly above-average in power, speed, vision and receiving ability, and putting that combination together ensures that he will stay as a top-tier back until his physical tools deteriorate.

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