| Running Back Rankings |
| Rank |
Team |
Player |
Rush Yds |
Yards Per Carry |
Receptions |
Rec Yards |
Total TDs |
| 11 |
 |
Rudi Johnson |
1,309 |
3.8 |
23 |
124 |
12 |
|
A workhorse back, Johnson should have plenty of opportunities for TDs as part of Cincy's high-powered offense. He has had at least 1,300 rushing yards and 12 TDs in each of the past three seasons.
|
| 12 |
 |
Laurence Maroney |
745 |
4.3 |
22 |
194 |
7 |
|
With Corey Dillon gone, Maroney will take over as the Patriots' feature back. He's the total package in terms of skills, with great speed, power, and vision. And considering how teams will have to focus on stopping Tom Brady and his new group of star receivers, Maroney should have lots of room to run. |
| 13 |
 |
Maurice Jones-Drew |
941 |
5.7 |
46 |
436 |
16 |
Jones-Drew was the best rookie back in the NFL last season, greatly out-producing the more popular Reggie Bush. He might only be 5' 7", but Jones-Drew is built like a tank at 212 pounds. It makes him a great short-yardage runner, while his speed makes him a big-play threat. But Jones-Drew will have to split time again with Fred Taylor. And with big back Greg Jones returning from injury, Jones-Drew could lose his goal line duties, meaning fewer chances for TDs.
|
| 14 |
 |
Brandon Jacobs |
423 |
4.4 |
11 |
149 |
9 |
Jacobs has some big shoes to fill. Namely, the ones belonging to retired All-Pro RB Tiki Barber. Jacobs isn't as effective in the passing game as Barber was, but his size (6' 4", 264 lbs.) will make him tough to bring down as a runner. Jacobs has been one of the game's best goal line backs for the past two seasons.
|
| 15 |
 |
Edgerrin James |
1,159 |
3.4 |
38 |
217 |
6 |
|
His first year in Arizona was by far the worst of James's career. But there's reason to think Edge will bounce back. Arizona drafted big OT Levi Brown with thh No. 5 pick of the Draft. The Cardinals also upgraded the coaching staff, now led by head coach Ken Whisenhunt, Pittsburgh's offensive coordinator last season. Whisenhunt will also have James run behind a blocking fullback, something Edge didn't get to do often last season. And Whiz brought in another great coach from the Steelers: Russ Grimm, one of the best offensive line coaches in the NFL. James should get much better blocking this season. |
| 16 |
 |
Willis McGahee |
990 |
3.8 |
18 |
156 |
6 |
|
McGahee is coming off two consecutive disappointing seasons in Buffalo. But he'll get a new life with the Ravens. Baltimore wants to get McGahee a ton of carries this season, as well as use him more often in the passing game. Just one problem: QB Steve McNair and the passing game don't scare anyone right now. It means opponents will be able to stack defenders close to the line of scrimmage against Baltimore.
|
| 17 |
 |
Carnell Williams |
798 |
3.5 |
30 |
196 |
1 |
|
After a fine rookie year, Cadillac's second season was a nightmare. But if he stays healthy, Williams has the skills to be a great back. The arrival of QB Jeff Garcia is a major upgrade for the passing game. Unlike last year, defenses will have to worry about more than just Williams this season. And after facing one of the toughest schedules in terms of opposing defenses a year ago, Tampa's 2007 schedule looks to be one of the NFL's easiest. Plus, head coach Jon Gruden has said he wants to involve Williams as a passer and as a short-yardage back this season, putting Williams in a position for more yards and more TDs.
|
| 18 |
 |
Thomas Jones |
1,210 |
4.1 |
36 |
154 |
6 |
|
Coming off two consecutive great seasons for the Bears, Jones will take over as the Jets' feature back. But head coach Eric Mangini likes to rotate multiple running backs into the game, so Jones might not get the same carries he used to get in Chicago. |
| 19 |
 |
Ronnie Brown |
1,008 |
4.2 |
33 |
276 |
5 |
|
Brown has a great combination of speed, power, and receiving skills. And his new head coach, Cam Cameron, was the offensive coordinator in San Diego, helping make LaDainian Tomlinson the NFL's best running back. But Brown struggled in the preseason, and Cameron seems to be souring on him. Brown will probably have to share carries early in the season. Plus, he has been help back by injuries, and Miami's subpar passing game will make it easier for opposing defenses to focus on stopping him.
|
| 20 |
 |
Ahman Green |
1,059 |
4.0 |
46 |
373 |
6 |
|
Green will be united with his former head coach, Texans offensive coordinator Mike Sherman. When the two were together with the Packers, Green was one of the best running backs in football. Green will be Houston's feature back, and one of their top receivers. But he'll likely give way to big RB Ron Dayne when the team gets near the end zone. And at age 30, Green's long injury history is a cause for concern.
|
| 
| |
.  |
|
