The best backup running backs in the NFL

A former starter with the Panthers, Williams became a backup for the first time last season and made the most of his time between Le'Veon Bell's suspension and injuries. He had 907 rushing yards on 200 carries, with a league-leading 11 touchdowns on the ground. He added 367 receiving yards. Not bad for a then 32-year-old back.

Ware came out of nowhere to create a thunder and lightning duo with Charcandrick West after Jamaal Charles' season-ending knee injury. The bruising back had 72 carries for 403 yards and six scores, averaging 5.6 yards per carry. He's expected to get short-yardage work this season.

Sims made huge progress in his second season behind Doug Martin, with 529 rushing yards and 561 receiving yards. Martin's injury history indicates that Sims could get more work this season.

The 37th overall pick in the 2013 draft, Bernard gets plenty of work as a third-down back and change of pace behind Jeremy Hill. He had 730 rushing yards and 472 receiving yards last season.

Yeldon started for the Jags in his rookie season but will likely be relegated to No. 2 duty after Jacksonville signed Chris Ivory in the offseason. The former Alabama back had 740 rushing yards and 279 receiving yards in his rookie season.

Starks took over for a poorly conditioned Eddie Lacy last season, rushing 148 times for 601 yards and adding 392 receiving yards. He has more flash than Lacy but averaged only 4.1 yards per carry.

Powell was featured as an excellent third-down back behind Chris Ivory last season, with 4.5 yards per carry and 47 receptions. He could pick up work this season if Matt Forte doesn't take to his new offense.

The premier receiving back in football, Riddick is basically a wideout at running back. He had 43 carries last season and 80 receptions for the Lions, finishing with 830 yards from scrimmage.

Johnson could claim the Giovani Bernard role in Hue Jackson's offense as a third-down and change-of-pace back behind Isaiah Crowell. He averaged only 3.6 yards per carry in his rookie season but had 61 receptions for 534 yards.

Coleman struggled through injuries in his rookie season but was more effective as a runner in limited work than starter Devonta Freeman with 4.5 yards per carry. He should get significantly more work than last year if the trend continues.

Williams is a bruiser who was tough to stop in his rookie season, rushing 93 times for 517 yards and seven scores, averaging 5.6 yards per carry. He will miss the first four games of 2016 due to a suspension and was just released by the Bills, but he's a strong talent for any team looking to add running back depth.

A former 2,000-yard rusher, Johnson revived his career in Arizona last season until he fractured his leg. He still had 814 rushing yards and should get plenty of work this season alongside David Johnson.

McFadden was a dynamic back early in his career with Oakland, and he rebounded with Dallas last season for 1,089 rushing yards at 4.6 yards per carry. He takes a step down in the depth chart after Dallas drafted Ezekiel Elliott in the first round.

West did a solid job for the Chiefs after Jamaal Charles was lost last season, rushing 160 times for 634 yards and adding 20 receptions in 15 games. He's likely third on the depth chart this year.

Michael has taken a while to develop, but he's steadily picked up more work. He's averaged 4.7 yards per carry for his three-year career and could get significantly more work this season behind Thomas Rawls.

A useful third-down back for Washington, Thompson had 35 rushes and 35 receptions last season. He could be used more often this season with Alfred Morris out of the picture and the team turning toward young Matt Jones.

McKinnon got his fair share of work in his rookie season when Adrian Peterson was out and averaged 4.8 yards per carry. Last season he did even better but only on 52 carries.

A two-time Pro Bowler in Washington, Morris' production has fallen off with each progressive season. He enters 2016 as the Cowboys' third back behind Ezekiel Elliott and Darren McFadden after averaging 3.7 yards per carry last season.

Ellington was terrific in his rookie season for the Cardinals in 2013, but he's struggled to stay on the field since then. He's been a dynamic back when on the field but had only 60 touches last season.

Woodhead is a unique weapon but is starting to show his age. He had only 3.4 yards per carry last year but did have 80 receptions for the Chargers.

Sproles has been an extremely productive player over his career, both as a third-down back and kick returner. Last season his production fell off, with only 3.8 yards per carry. He did have 55 receptions and should continue in his current role with the new Eagles offense.

The 2015 Heisman Trophy winner at Alabama, Henry will serve as Tennessee's short-yardage runner behind DeMarco Murray in his rookie season. It's possible he could be asked to do more with the Titans unlikely to compete for a playoff spot.

Artis-Payne is in an important role behind the injury-prone Jonathan Stewart. The former Auburn back had 45 carries for 183 yards last season.

Cunningham fits well as a third-down back behind Todd Gurley. He's averaged less than four yards per carry in each of the last two seasons but does have 71 receptions over that time.