Three days ago, I dropped my Top 20 quarterback list. To say the least, Eagles fans didn't approve of it, but today they will approve as I release the second of my seven part series: Running Backs.
1. LaDainian Tomlinson, Chargers: LT has it all: Speed, power, strength, size, and vision and they all form together to make him the best in the game today. Because he is so versiatile, it makes him the biggest running back threat in the league.
2. Brian Westbrook, Eagles: Westbrook is very talented as both a running back and a receiver. His quickness sets him apart from other backs because he can slip tackles and get into open field as a runner and as a receiver he can beat linebackers and get to the next level.
3.Adrian Peterson, Vikings: AP is a very strong and physical back that has misleading speed when he hits the hole. He is probably the most explosive back today. The strength and power AP possesses makes a big difference.
4. Joseph Addai, Colts: Like a lot of backs, Addai has a one-cut style and hit the hole quick. He is very tough to tackle on the next level.
5.Steven Jackson, Rams: Jackson is another RB that possesses great speed, but he is also a back that will run over defenders between the tackles. He is another versatile back.
6. Marion Barber, Cowboys: Barber is a very physical back who like Peterson, is strong with great power. He doesn't run around defenders, he runs right into them and keeps his legs churning.
7. Frank Gore, 49ers: Gore hits the hole fast because he has great speed and is explosive.
8. Marshawn Lynch, Bills: Marshawn is one of the most solid backs in the league as he is good in every asset. He has speed, can make a defender miss, and also be physical between the tackles.
9.Larry Johnson, Chiefs: Johnson is yet another physical NFL runner who can wear down a defense. What is surprising is that he has pretty good open field speed.
10. Willie Parker, Steelers: Parker has thrived in the Steelers run first system, which lets him showcase his ability to hit the hole and accelerate.
11. Clinton Portis, Redskins: Though smaller than some backs, Portis is physical and takes on contact well. He can break tackles with his strength.
12. Fred Taylor, Jaguars: Fred may have had his share of injuries, but you can't deny his talent. He has always had good speed, but his best asset is his elusiveness to get by defenders.
13. Willis McGahee, Ravens: Another tough runner who appears to be slower in movement, but he always seems to get where he needs to be. He can run inside or outside well.
14.Jamal Lewis, Browns: Lewis has great size, and combined with his strength and power, make him a very solid runner. He is a productive back.
15. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars: Jones-Drew is a playmaker. He can run the ball with power, catch it out of the backfield, and return kicks. he is very tough and is a 100% effort guy.
16. Justin Fargas, Raiders: Fargas is a very underrated back who is aggressive when given the ball. He also breaks tackles.
17. Laurence Maroney, Patriots: Maroney is another RB with playmaking ability who can be dangerous if he gets to the next level of defenders.
18.Michael Turner, Falcons: Turner attacks the line well and keeps accelerating on contact. Overall, he is a solid back.
19.Ryan Grant, Packers: This one-cut back has enough speed and strength to be a good back today. His vision is also decent.
20. LenDale White, Titans: White has a natural physical presence when carrying the ball and is very good strength wise. If he keeps up his focus to football, then he can be effective.
1. LaDainian Tomlinson, Chargers: LT has it all: Speed, power, strength, size, and vision and they all form together to make him the best in the game today. Because he is so versiatile, it makes him the biggest running back threat in the league.
2. Brian Westbrook, Eagles: Westbrook is very talented as both a running back and a receiver. His quickness sets him apart from other backs because he can slip tackles and get into open field as a runner and as a receiver he can beat linebackers and get to the next level.
3.Adrian Peterson, Vikings: AP is a very strong and physical back that has misleading speed when he hits the hole. He is probably the most explosive back today. The strength and power AP possesses makes a big difference.
4. Joseph Addai, Colts: Like a lot of backs, Addai has a one-cut style and hit the hole quick. He is very tough to tackle on the next level.
5.Steven Jackson, Rams: Jackson is another RB that possesses great speed, but he is also a back that will run over defenders between the tackles. He is another versatile back.
6. Marion Barber, Cowboys: Barber is a very physical back who like Peterson, is strong with great power. He doesn't run around defenders, he runs right into them and keeps his legs churning.
7. Frank Gore, 49ers: Gore hits the hole fast because he has great speed and is explosive.
8. Marshawn Lynch, Bills: Marshawn is one of the most solid backs in the league as he is good in every asset. He has speed, can make a defender miss, and also be physical between the tackles.
9.Larry Johnson, Chiefs: Johnson is yet another physical NFL runner who can wear down a defense. What is surprising is that he has pretty good open field speed.
10. Willie Parker, Steelers: Parker has thrived in the Steelers run first system, which lets him showcase his ability to hit the hole and accelerate.
11. Clinton Portis, Redskins: Though smaller than some backs, Portis is physical and takes on contact well. He can break tackles with his strength.
12. Fred Taylor, Jaguars: Fred may have had his share of injuries, but you can't deny his talent. He has always had good speed, but his best asset is his elusiveness to get by defenders.
13. Willis McGahee, Ravens: Another tough runner who appears to be slower in movement, but he always seems to get where he needs to be. He can run inside or outside well.
14.Jamal Lewis, Browns: Lewis has great size, and combined with his strength and power, make him a very solid runner. He is a productive back.
15. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars: Jones-Drew is a playmaker. He can run the ball with power, catch it out of the backfield, and return kicks. he is very tough and is a 100% effort guy.
16. Justin Fargas, Raiders: Fargas is a very underrated back who is aggressive when given the ball. He also breaks tackles.
17. Laurence Maroney, Patriots: Maroney is another RB with playmaking ability who can be dangerous if he gets to the next level of defenders.
18.Michael Turner, Falcons: Turner attacks the line well and keeps accelerating on contact. Overall, he is a solid back.
19.Ryan Grant, Packers: This one-cut back has enough speed and strength to be a good back today. His vision is also decent.
20. LenDale White, Titans: White has a natural physical presence when carrying the ball and is very good strength wise. If he keeps up his focus to football, then he can be effective.
