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Posted: July 15, 2008
War Room scouts
You never know when the shelf life of an NFL running back will meet its expiration date. Shaun Alexander, best of the lot just three years ago, is now looking for a job.
So this list shuffles greatly from year to year, with a mix of versatile veterans and fast-rising youngsters. Those who are durable hybrids of both take their rightful places near the top:
1. LaDainian Tomlinson, San Diego Chargers. More than being the NFL's defending rushing titlist and record-breaking former league MVP, L.T.'s versatility as a runner and receiver stands out as most impressive.
2. Brian Westbrook, Philadelphia Eagles. Although undersized, Westbrook proved his durability in '07 and literally carried the Eagles offense, especially after Donovan McNabb's latest injury. Just like L.T., he's a dangerous runner and receiver who can line up anywhere on the field.
3. Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings. Peterson had a stellar rookie season, but he doesn't quite possess the versatility of LT and Westbrook.
4. Willie Parker, Pittsburgh Steelers. Another undersized back, Parker has blazing speed and will likely surpass 5,000 career rushing yards this season. Even with the Steelers' new emphasis on throwing for some big plays, Parker can also hit home runs by flat-out running past defenders.
5. Steven Jackson, St. Louis Rams. Versatility strikes again! Jackson had 90 receptions two seasons ago, and he is a threat to this year's rushing title if both he and his offensive teammates can remain healthy.
6. Willis McGahee, Baltimore Ravens. On an offense that can only run the ball, McGahee was the runner. He is a versatile runner who can both attack the edges and take on defenders between the tackles.
7. Frank Gore, San Francisco 49ers. Gore has carried his team in recent seasons and established himself as one of the league's premier backs with little help. With Mike Martz in the fold as the Niners' offensive coordinator, look for Gore to become a force once again as a dual threat runner and receiver.
8. Ronnie Brown, Miami Dolphins. Brown averaged more than five yards per carry last season before a season-ending knee injury. He has already been running well in the offseason, and with more of a commitment to the run and a solid line in front of him, Brown should emerge as a top-10 back again.
9. Marshawn Lynch, Buffalo Bills. Lynch averaged nearly 22 carries a game in 2007 and is a good fit for the Bills' zone blocking scheme. He is a one-cut runner who attacks the hole but also has good lateral speed and receiving skills. The emergence of Trent Edwards will open up more running lanes for him.
10. Joseph Addai, Indianapolis Colts. There is no question Addai is a premier, complete back, but he also is the product of a strong system and a smart QB who keeps defenses from stacking the box.
11. Fred Taylor, Jacksonville Jaguars. Taylor is one of the few backs who has actually gotten better with age. He is in the best shape of his career and has been helped by the Jaguars' spread looks and key relief from Maurice Jones-Drew. Taylor averaged 5.5 yards per carry in '07 and has already surpassed 10,000 career rushing yards.
12. Clinton Portis, Washington Commanders. Another back who is a tremendous fit for the zone-blocking scheme. Portis is a power runner with the vision and cutback ability to find daylight and get to and through linebackers.
13. Larry Johnson, Kansas City Chiefs. L.J. is the definition of a straight-line, power runner. He needs seams, and the state of the Chiefs' rebuilding offensive line and the lack of a playmaking quarterback will make those tough to find in '08.
14. Edgerrin James, Arizona Cardinals. Although James is on the downside of his career, he is still a productive runner who will benefit from the run-first mentality in Arizona.
15. Marion Barber, Dallas Cowboys. Barber can run over defenders or run by them, and he has a great set of hands. He averaged nearly 5.0 yards per carry last season, 6.5 yards per catch and scored 12 TDs. With Julius Jones gone, look for an even bigger role in '08.
16. Ryan Grant, Green Bay Packers. Grant's '07 success was no fluke. The Packers' line play is solid and he is a strong runner who can attack between the tackles and cut to daylight.
17. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars. In a down year, Jones-Drew still had nine TDs and 200 touches. Despite platooning with Fred Taylor, the little guy is still very productive because to his unique combination of speed and power.
18. Thomas Jones, New York Jets. Jones is a better back than he showed last season. The Jets' addition of former Steelers left guard Alan Faneca should help this year. Jones is a slasher who can also be effective as a receiver and a goal-line back.
19. Rudi Johnson, Cincinnati Bengals. Another guy coming off a bad year, Johnson is expected to be healthy but will face competition for his job. Few run with the power and strength that Johnson provides the Bengals.
20. Laurence Maroney, New England Patriots. Maroney had only 185 carries last year and the Patriots' spread attack doesn't lend itself to big rushing numbers. When they needed it most, he produced, but he needs to be more consistent.
21. Jamal Lewis, Cleveland Browns. Age and injury may ultimately end Lewis' Cinderella ride sooner than later. But he plays in a balanced offense with a strong passing game, and his power running game is a perfect fit behind the strong left side of the Browns' line.
22. Brandon Jacobs, New York Giants. Jacobs is big but is also deceptively fast and good in the open field. He also runs behind an underrated line. However, injuries have plagued him, and Ahmad Bradshaw and Derrick Ward will compete once again for carries, limiting Jacobs' production.
23. Earnest Graham, Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs are starting to collect running backs like they are quarterbacks. Graham, a north-south power runner, works best between the tackles, so he may need some complementary speed help. He is also a reliable receiver in Jon Gruden's offense.
24. LenDale White, Tennessee Titans. White is the starter, and coach Jeff Fisher is committed to the run, but the former USC star will share carries and has yet to show signs of being the breakout player Tennessee had hoped he would be.
25. Julius Jones, Seattle Seahawks. There was a time not too long ago that Jones was the starter in Dallas and that meant something. Although he may be substituted in certain situations, he will be the starter in Seattle. Jones is a strong perimeter runner and could flourish if given a chance to stay on the field often.
Maybe next year?
The top breakout candidate to crack the top 25 for '09:
Jonathan Stewart, Carolina Panthers. Stewart is the total package, a speed back who can also run with power and catch the ball. DeAngelo Williams has been given every chance to win the job and just hasn't done it.
War Room scouts
You never know when the shelf life of an NFL running back will meet its expiration date. Shaun Alexander, best of the lot just three years ago, is now looking for a job.
So this list shuffles greatly from year to year, with a mix of versatile veterans and fast-rising youngsters. Those who are durable hybrids of both take their rightful places near the top:
1. LaDainian Tomlinson, San Diego Chargers. More than being the NFL's defending rushing titlist and record-breaking former league MVP, L.T.'s versatility as a runner and receiver stands out as most impressive.
2. Brian Westbrook, Philadelphia Eagles. Although undersized, Westbrook proved his durability in '07 and literally carried the Eagles offense, especially after Donovan McNabb's latest injury. Just like L.T., he's a dangerous runner and receiver who can line up anywhere on the field.
3. Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings. Peterson had a stellar rookie season, but he doesn't quite possess the versatility of LT and Westbrook.
4. Willie Parker, Pittsburgh Steelers. Another undersized back, Parker has blazing speed and will likely surpass 5,000 career rushing yards this season. Even with the Steelers' new emphasis on throwing for some big plays, Parker can also hit home runs by flat-out running past defenders.
5. Steven Jackson, St. Louis Rams. Versatility strikes again! Jackson had 90 receptions two seasons ago, and he is a threat to this year's rushing title if both he and his offensive teammates can remain healthy.
6. Willis McGahee, Baltimore Ravens. On an offense that can only run the ball, McGahee was the runner. He is a versatile runner who can both attack the edges and take on defenders between the tackles.
7. Frank Gore, San Francisco 49ers. Gore has carried his team in recent seasons and established himself as one of the league's premier backs with little help. With Mike Martz in the fold as the Niners' offensive coordinator, look for Gore to become a force once again as a dual threat runner and receiver.
8. Ronnie Brown, Miami Dolphins. Brown averaged more than five yards per carry last season before a season-ending knee injury. He has already been running well in the offseason, and with more of a commitment to the run and a solid line in front of him, Brown should emerge as a top-10 back again.
9. Marshawn Lynch, Buffalo Bills. Lynch averaged nearly 22 carries a game in 2007 and is a good fit for the Bills' zone blocking scheme. He is a one-cut runner who attacks the hole but also has good lateral speed and receiving skills. The emergence of Trent Edwards will open up more running lanes for him.
10. Joseph Addai, Indianapolis Colts. There is no question Addai is a premier, complete back, but he also is the product of a strong system and a smart QB who keeps defenses from stacking the box.
11. Fred Taylor, Jacksonville Jaguars. Taylor is one of the few backs who has actually gotten better with age. He is in the best shape of his career and has been helped by the Jaguars' spread looks and key relief from Maurice Jones-Drew. Taylor averaged 5.5 yards per carry in '07 and has already surpassed 10,000 career rushing yards.
12. Clinton Portis, Washington Commanders. Another back who is a tremendous fit for the zone-blocking scheme. Portis is a power runner with the vision and cutback ability to find daylight and get to and through linebackers.
13. Larry Johnson, Kansas City Chiefs. L.J. is the definition of a straight-line, power runner. He needs seams, and the state of the Chiefs' rebuilding offensive line and the lack of a playmaking quarterback will make those tough to find in '08.
14. Edgerrin James, Arizona Cardinals. Although James is on the downside of his career, he is still a productive runner who will benefit from the run-first mentality in Arizona.
15. Marion Barber, Dallas Cowboys. Barber can run over defenders or run by them, and he has a great set of hands. He averaged nearly 5.0 yards per carry last season, 6.5 yards per catch and scored 12 TDs. With Julius Jones gone, look for an even bigger role in '08.
16. Ryan Grant, Green Bay Packers. Grant's '07 success was no fluke. The Packers' line play is solid and he is a strong runner who can attack between the tackles and cut to daylight.
17. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars. In a down year, Jones-Drew still had nine TDs and 200 touches. Despite platooning with Fred Taylor, the little guy is still very productive because to his unique combination of speed and power.
18. Thomas Jones, New York Jets. Jones is a better back than he showed last season. The Jets' addition of former Steelers left guard Alan Faneca should help this year. Jones is a slasher who can also be effective as a receiver and a goal-line back.
19. Rudi Johnson, Cincinnati Bengals. Another guy coming off a bad year, Johnson is expected to be healthy but will face competition for his job. Few run with the power and strength that Johnson provides the Bengals.
20. Laurence Maroney, New England Patriots. Maroney had only 185 carries last year and the Patriots' spread attack doesn't lend itself to big rushing numbers. When they needed it most, he produced, but he needs to be more consistent.
21. Jamal Lewis, Cleveland Browns. Age and injury may ultimately end Lewis' Cinderella ride sooner than later. But he plays in a balanced offense with a strong passing game, and his power running game is a perfect fit behind the strong left side of the Browns' line.
22. Brandon Jacobs, New York Giants. Jacobs is big but is also deceptively fast and good in the open field. He also runs behind an underrated line. However, injuries have plagued him, and Ahmad Bradshaw and Derrick Ward will compete once again for carries, limiting Jacobs' production.
23. Earnest Graham, Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs are starting to collect running backs like they are quarterbacks. Graham, a north-south power runner, works best between the tackles, so he may need some complementary speed help. He is also a reliable receiver in Jon Gruden's offense.
24. LenDale White, Tennessee Titans. White is the starter, and coach Jeff Fisher is committed to the run, but the former USC star will share carries and has yet to show signs of being the breakout player Tennessee had hoped he would be.
25. Julius Jones, Seattle Seahawks. There was a time not too long ago that Jones was the starter in Dallas and that meant something. Although he may be substituted in certain situations, he will be the starter in Seattle. Jones is a strong perimeter runner and could flourish if given a chance to stay on the field often.
Maybe next year?
The top breakout candidate to crack the top 25 for '09:
Jonathan Stewart, Carolina Panthers. Stewart is the total package, a speed back who can also run with power and catch the ball. DeAngelo Williams has been given every chance to win the job and just hasn't done it.
