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1. San Diego Chargers
Even though San Diego did not finish the 2007 season with the No. 1 run offense, the Chargers take the top spot in the running back rankings. They don't have the deepest running back unit, but they do have LaDainian Tomlinson, the best running back in the game. He was the 2007 MVP, has won back-to-back rushing titles and is the most feared running back in the game because of his versatility. He can align in multiple spots and create numerous mismatches for defensive coordinators as a runner and as a receiver. The overall unit took a bit of a hit with the loss of Michael Turner via free agency to Atlanta, but new backup Darren Sproles has made plays when given the opportunity.
2. Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings had the No. 1 run offense in the NFL in 2007, and had RB Adrian Peterson not missed two games due to injury, he would have won the rushing title as a rookie. Although you could make an argument for Peterson being the best back in the game today, he does not possess Tomlinson's versatility. This also is not to take away from Peterson, but he has the good fortune of running behind one of the best offensive lines in the NFL -- a line backup RB Chester Taylor gained 1,216 yards running behind in 2006. Peterson is going to be a superstar and eventually take the throne from LT, but as of this moment, the 1-2 punch of Peterson and Taylor is still just No. 2.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars
Starting RB Fred Taylor seems to get better with age. He reached the 10,000-yard plateau for his career in 2007, which has him in line to see his name enshrined in Canton, Ohio. Taylor has been the opposite of what you normally see from the RB position. He often was injured early in his career, and he has improved since turning 30. The Jaguars also have solid depth with third-year runner Maurice Jones-Drew, who has 22 rushing touchdowns and a 5.1 yards-per-attempt average for his career. With Taylor, who has been Mr. Consistency, and Jones-Drew, who is a home run threat every time he touches the ball, expect the Jaguars' run game to once again be in the top three in the NFL.
4. Pittsburgh Steelers
Even though Pittsburgh's running game was expected to drop off in 2007 after the retirement of Jerome Bettis and with new offensive coordinator Bruce Arian's emphasis on throwing the ball, the Steelers remained one of the most consistent running teams in the NFL. That won't change this year. Former undrafted free agent RB Willie Parker has totaled 4,198 yards in his career, proving that he can be a feature back despite his lack of size. Pittsburgh's biggest issue had been creating consistent depth behind Parker. The Steelers fixed that problem when RB Rashard Mendenhall fell into their laps at the bottom of the first round. Mendenhall, a physical inside runner, should be a nice complement to Parker, who has great speed and is a threat to score from anywhere on the field.
5. Dallas Cowboys
When Dallas opted not to re-sign starting RB Julius Jones, it got better. Even though Jones was the starter, he split carries with backup RB Marion Barber, who is the more effective runner and receiver. With Barber now thrust into the starting role, the Cowboys are a more physical team that can control the line of scrimmage. Dallas also created solid depth at the position by drafting RB Felix Jones with its second pick in the first round. Jones is a speedster who can turn the corner, catch the ball and create mismatches. The Cowboys' rushing numbers might not be as big as those of other teams because offensive coordinator Jason Garrett leans more on the passing game, but this is a great 1-2 punch.
6. St. Louis Rams
The Rams' 25th-ranked run offense in 2007 was no indication of how good Steven Jackson is. He has the ability to be a top-three running back in the NFL, and in terms of versatility, he ranks right behind Tomlinson. Jackson has excellent hands and creates a lot of mismatches. His production was down last season because he was not healthy and the Rams had injuries on the offensive line. If everyone stays healthy, Jackson is good enough to compete for a rushing title. Brian Leonard provides solid backup depth, and even though he showed in Jackson's absence that he can't be counted on to carry the load, his versatility is a plus.
7. Philadelphia Eagles
Brian Westbrook is one of the most unappreciated running backs in the NFL. He basically was the Eagles' offense in 2007 with 278 carries and 90 receptions. Although he never has played a full season, he has avoided major injury and pretty much put aside questions about his size and his ability to carry the load. Westbrook is one of the tougher backs in the NFL, will produce and will play at less than 100 percent. It should come as no surprise that, as with the majority of backs in this top 10, versatility is a major factor for Westbrook, because he often aligns all over the field in multiple looks and formations. Correll Buckhalter missed the 2002, 2004 and 2005 season with injuries but has been solid when healthy, and the Eagles have a lot of untested, young depth with Ryan Moats, Tony Hunt and Lorenzo Booker.
8. Indianapolis Colts
Some might feel this is a little low for Colts RB Joseph Addai, but his production might stem more from the offensive system than from his own skills, although he is a very talented back. Addai benefits from one of the best offensive schemes in the NFL, a passing attack that prevents a defense from jamming eight defenders into the box, an excellent zone-blocking scheme and an offensive line coached by one of the best in the business, Howard Mudd. Addai is an excellent one-cut runner who has great vision and patience. However, he does not run with great power and doesn't have home run speed. His versatility to make plays in the passing game is a great asset in the Colts' offense. This season, the backfield will be as deep as it has been in years, with veteran Dominic Rhodes competing with rookie Mike Hart for the backup spot.
9. Kansas City Chiefs
Two years ago, you could have made the argument that Larry Johnson was the second-best RB in the NFL. A lot has been made of the offensive line play in Kansas City being responsible for his lack of production, and while that is partly true, he has not been the same type of player since signing his long-term deal. Even though he is only 28, he is starting to show some wear and tear from carrying the ball 752 times over the 2005 and 2006 seasons. Johnson is a direct runner who hits the hole hard but needs a run lane. He is neither elusive nor fast and can be limited in terms of his production when forced to run wide. The Chiefs added quality depth in the draft when they picked up rookie Jamaal Charles, a speedster who can turn the corner.
10. San Francisco 49ers
Even though the 49ers were awful on offense in 2007, it's hard to deny the talent of RB Frank Gore. With better play at quarterback, better play up front and better play calling, he can be an elite back. Gore's lack of production last season was not due to a lack of commitment to running the football. The effort was there, but the 49ers often fell behind and Gore became more useful in the passing game. With new offensive coordinator Mike Martz running the show, Gore will be the featured player on offense. Martz is known more for the pass than for the run, so look for Gore to build on his 53 receptions from last season. The 49ers' lack of depth at running back has been an issue in the past, but it will be better in 2008 with the addition of veteran DeShaun Foster.
1. San Diego Chargers
Even though San Diego did not finish the 2007 season with the No. 1 run offense, the Chargers take the top spot in the running back rankings. They don't have the deepest running back unit, but they do have LaDainian Tomlinson, the best running back in the game. He was the 2007 MVP, has won back-to-back rushing titles and is the most feared running back in the game because of his versatility. He can align in multiple spots and create numerous mismatches for defensive coordinators as a runner and as a receiver. The overall unit took a bit of a hit with the loss of Michael Turner via free agency to Atlanta, but new backup Darren Sproles has made plays when given the opportunity.
2. Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings had the No. 1 run offense in the NFL in 2007, and had RB Adrian Peterson not missed two games due to injury, he would have won the rushing title as a rookie. Although you could make an argument for Peterson being the best back in the game today, he does not possess Tomlinson's versatility. This also is not to take away from Peterson, but he has the good fortune of running behind one of the best offensive lines in the NFL -- a line backup RB Chester Taylor gained 1,216 yards running behind in 2006. Peterson is going to be a superstar and eventually take the throne from LT, but as of this moment, the 1-2 punch of Peterson and Taylor is still just No. 2.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars
Starting RB Fred Taylor seems to get better with age. He reached the 10,000-yard plateau for his career in 2007, which has him in line to see his name enshrined in Canton, Ohio. Taylor has been the opposite of what you normally see from the RB position. He often was injured early in his career, and he has improved since turning 30. The Jaguars also have solid depth with third-year runner Maurice Jones-Drew, who has 22 rushing touchdowns and a 5.1 yards-per-attempt average for his career. With Taylor, who has been Mr. Consistency, and Jones-Drew, who is a home run threat every time he touches the ball, expect the Jaguars' run game to once again be in the top three in the NFL.
4. Pittsburgh Steelers
Even though Pittsburgh's running game was expected to drop off in 2007 after the retirement of Jerome Bettis and with new offensive coordinator Bruce Arian's emphasis on throwing the ball, the Steelers remained one of the most consistent running teams in the NFL. That won't change this year. Former undrafted free agent RB Willie Parker has totaled 4,198 yards in his career, proving that he can be a feature back despite his lack of size. Pittsburgh's biggest issue had been creating consistent depth behind Parker. The Steelers fixed that problem when RB Rashard Mendenhall fell into their laps at the bottom of the first round. Mendenhall, a physical inside runner, should be a nice complement to Parker, who has great speed and is a threat to score from anywhere on the field.
5. Dallas Cowboys
When Dallas opted not to re-sign starting RB Julius Jones, it got better. Even though Jones was the starter, he split carries with backup RB Marion Barber, who is the more effective runner and receiver. With Barber now thrust into the starting role, the Cowboys are a more physical team that can control the line of scrimmage. Dallas also created solid depth at the position by drafting RB Felix Jones with its second pick in the first round. Jones is a speedster who can turn the corner, catch the ball and create mismatches. The Cowboys' rushing numbers might not be as big as those of other teams because offensive coordinator Jason Garrett leans more on the passing game, but this is a great 1-2 punch.
6. St. Louis Rams
The Rams' 25th-ranked run offense in 2007 was no indication of how good Steven Jackson is. He has the ability to be a top-three running back in the NFL, and in terms of versatility, he ranks right behind Tomlinson. Jackson has excellent hands and creates a lot of mismatches. His production was down last season because he was not healthy and the Rams had injuries on the offensive line. If everyone stays healthy, Jackson is good enough to compete for a rushing title. Brian Leonard provides solid backup depth, and even though he showed in Jackson's absence that he can't be counted on to carry the load, his versatility is a plus.
7. Philadelphia Eagles
Brian Westbrook is one of the most unappreciated running backs in the NFL. He basically was the Eagles' offense in 2007 with 278 carries and 90 receptions. Although he never has played a full season, he has avoided major injury and pretty much put aside questions about his size and his ability to carry the load. Westbrook is one of the tougher backs in the NFL, will produce and will play at less than 100 percent. It should come as no surprise that, as with the majority of backs in this top 10, versatility is a major factor for Westbrook, because he often aligns all over the field in multiple looks and formations. Correll Buckhalter missed the 2002, 2004 and 2005 season with injuries but has been solid when healthy, and the Eagles have a lot of untested, young depth with Ryan Moats, Tony Hunt and Lorenzo Booker.
8. Indianapolis Colts
Some might feel this is a little low for Colts RB Joseph Addai, but his production might stem more from the offensive system than from his own skills, although he is a very talented back. Addai benefits from one of the best offensive schemes in the NFL, a passing attack that prevents a defense from jamming eight defenders into the box, an excellent zone-blocking scheme and an offensive line coached by one of the best in the business, Howard Mudd. Addai is an excellent one-cut runner who has great vision and patience. However, he does not run with great power and doesn't have home run speed. His versatility to make plays in the passing game is a great asset in the Colts' offense. This season, the backfield will be as deep as it has been in years, with veteran Dominic Rhodes competing with rookie Mike Hart for the backup spot.
9. Kansas City Chiefs
Two years ago, you could have made the argument that Larry Johnson was the second-best RB in the NFL. A lot has been made of the offensive line play in Kansas City being responsible for his lack of production, and while that is partly true, he has not been the same type of player since signing his long-term deal. Even though he is only 28, he is starting to show some wear and tear from carrying the ball 752 times over the 2005 and 2006 seasons. Johnson is a direct runner who hits the hole hard but needs a run lane. He is neither elusive nor fast and can be limited in terms of his production when forced to run wide. The Chiefs added quality depth in the draft when they picked up rookie Jamaal Charles, a speedster who can turn the corner.
10. San Francisco 49ers
Even though the 49ers were awful on offense in 2007, it's hard to deny the talent of RB Frank Gore. With better play at quarterback, better play up front and better play calling, he can be an elite back. Gore's lack of production last season was not due to a lack of commitment to running the football. The effort was there, but the 49ers often fell behind and Gore became more useful in the passing game. With new offensive coordinator Mike Martz running the show, Gore will be the featured player on offense. Martz is known more for the pass than for the run, so look for Gore to build on his 53 receptions from last season. The 49ers' lack of depth at running back has been an issue in the past, but it will be better in 2008 with the addition of veteran DeShaun Foster.
