The NFL just gave Bengals RB Chase Brown more ammo to shine as Cincinnati's star in the backfield

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By John Sheeran | Last updated Jul 7, 2025 3:30 PM ET

Chase Brown didn't start the 2024 season as the lead running back for the Cincinnati Bengals, but he sure filled that role seamlessly through the heart of the year.

Brown amassed 1,350 yards from scrimmage in 16 games played last season, carrying the ball 229 times for an average of 4.3 yards per attempt, and hauling in 54 receptions for an average of 6.7 yards per catch. He found the end zone a total of 11 times as well, and finished six games with at least 100 total yards of offense.

It was a promising second season for the former fifth-round draft pick, but it wasn't enough to impress various NFL executives, scouts, and coaches entering 2025.

And that should motivate Brown going forward.

Chase Brown misses ESPN's top 10 running backs, honorable mentions

ESPN's annual top 10 series returned this week with running backs kicking off the series, and Brown's name was nowhere to be found. Not even in the honorable mentions. He didn't even get a single mention from over 70 voters working around the league.

Baltimore Ravens RB Derrick Henry was voted second behind Philadelphia Eagles RB Saquon Barkley. Former Bengals RB Joe Mixon, now with the Houston Texans, was voted ninth.

11 other tailbacks outside the top 10 received votes. Brown was left out entirely.

Running back is one of the most talent-saturated positions in the game nowadays, and this only supports that fact. Brown was also one of just eight backs with at least 1,000 yards from scrimmage and 50 receptions last year, and he's one of two to be left out entirely along with Tampa Bay Buccaneers RB Rachaad White, who was Tampa Bay's No. 2 rusher.

Brown has a really good case for feeling snubbed here, but there's nothing he can do about his 2024 campaign. He will be set up to reach even greater heights this season as the Week 1 starting back in run game tailored to his strengths instead of the scheme adjusting to him as his role increases.

Topping his production from last year should not only make the Bengals a better offense, but it will grow awareness of his game as well. That should be all the motivation he'd need to truly break out in his third season.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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