Many more would argue that he is the best football player . Carthon is a total mystery to me, so this gives me some hope that a deal like this could potentially happen. A Pro Bowler each season from 1983-86, Jacoby's blocking helped John Riggins rush for a then Super Bowl record in Washington's win over Miami in Super Bowl XVII. 20 in homage to Sims. Unlike most induction classes, there was not a single member of this year's class that got in on the first ballot. Also included is a handful of honorable mentions, as well as statistics from every 1,000-yard. 2021 stats:202 carries, 752 rushing yards, 3.7 yards per carry, 37 receptions on 39 targets, 375 receiving yards, 18 total TDs. Among those players are former offensive lineman Bob Kuechenberg, receivers Mark Duper andMark Claytonand running back Ricky Williams. Listen below and follow the Pick Six podcast for a daily dose of everything you need to follow pro football. Given that the rankings focused primarily on overall career achievements, don't look too far into where current players rank on the following list -- they could very well end up on top once they call it a career. 2020 stats: 134carries, 805 rushing yards, 6.0 yards per carry, 18 receptions on 24 targets, 120 receiving yards, 9 total TDs. Cincinnati Bengals (1997-2003), New England Patriots (2004-06). The Steelers didn't waste time putting a lot on Harris as a first-round rookie workhorse and he showed off his versatility and durability right away. Now with James Robinson recovering from a torn Achilles', Etienne is flashing all his explosive college skills again to vie for key work to support long-time teammate Trevor Lawrence. The lastSteelersrunning back taken in the first round before Najee Harris, Mendenhall won a Super Bowl as a rookie despite spending most of the season on injured reserve. at 2021 stats: 237 carries, 1,002 rushing yards, 4.2 yards per carry, 47 receptions on 65 targets, 287 receiving yards, 12 total TDs. He's been a semifinalist for three straight years but has yet to be named a finalist. And while an injury in 2007 contributed to his 2009 release, McAllister was added to the Saints' roster prior to the team's Super Bowl win over the Colts. He should be in for a big Year 2 to put an offense in transition on his back. The Doug Pederson-Press Taylor offense also caters well to Etienne's versatility. In 2002, he was named the AFC's Offensive Player of the Year, and finished fourth in the MVP vote. He ran for a career-high 1,047 yards and 10 touchdowns that included a franchise-record 228 yards against the Rams. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey), Pittsburgh Steelers fans will whine until Bettis gets into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. 2020 stats: 145 carries, 625 rushing yards, 4.3 yards per carry, 11 receptions on 14 targets,123 receiving yards, 3 total TDs. Of the 31 runners to have done it, 16 are in the Hall and two more are locks (Adrian Peterson and Frank Gore). Hall of Fame running back and Chargers legend LaDainian Tomlinson knows a thing or two about the trenches. Leaning more toward 2022 upside than past performance, here's Sporting News' ranking of the top 30 running backs in the NFL, starting with the reigning rushing champion and including a double dose from several teams: MORE NFL RANKINGS: QBs | WRs| Coaches | Defense. But an injury limited him to eight games in 2012, and a torn Achilles tendon sustained during the ensuing offseason prematurely ended his career. Barkley is looking to reclaim his spot as arguably the NFL's top running back after an injury wiped out most of his 2020 season. He also led the NFL in touchdown receptions on two separate occasions. 225), a three-star recruit who is rated the 42nd-best athlete in the nation in the . Willis' play largely contributed to the 49ers' NFC title in 2012 as well as the franchise's three consecutive NFC title game appearances from 2011-13. A two-time Pro Bowler, McMichael had 92.5 career sacks for Chicago, second in franchise history. While his rookie season wasn't bad (he amassed 1,317 yards and 12 touchdowns), Richardson was nonetheless traded from Cleveland to Indianapolis at the start of the 2013 season. Penny, who had been an injury-riddled disappointing first-rounder in 2018, exploded down the stretch as the sudden featured workhorse, shaking off plenty of past injury issues. A 2009 Pro Bowler, Williams led the league in rushing touchdowns in 2008 and in 2015. Taylor finished with 11,695 yards, good for 17th all-time. After holding off Zack Moss for key touches, he will need to do the same again vs. rookie James Cook. In 2012, "AD" was named league MVP after rushing for 2,097 yards, the second-highest total in NFL history. A two-time NFL rushing champion, Elliott is on pace to join fellowCowboysgreats Tony Dorsett and Emmitt Smith in Canton, Ohio. The players listed below are the top 250 HOFm-rated players who played RB starting in 1955 or later for at least 50 career games. Gibson was disappointing as he didn't deliver as the complete big back in Year 2 while playing through some injury and fumbling issues. Do the right thing already and put him in the Hall of Fame. Maurice Jones-Drew assesses the Hall of Fame candidacies of Ezekiel Elliott and Derrick Henry, two running backs who could pass him on the all-time rushing leaderboard in Week 16. Subscribe to Stathead Football: Get your first month FREEYour All-Access Ticket to the Pro Football Reference Database. 2. of winning the Lombardi Trophy, and if they had beaten the Rams in that game, I'm confident George would've been named game MVP after having 28 carries for 95 rush yards and two rush TDs. Addai is currently seventh on the Colts' career rushing list. In those years, he rushed for1,615 yards,1,555 yards, and 1,420 yards,and scored more touchdowns than any other back in the NFL. Use without license or authorization is expressly prohibited. 1 receiver when the Colts made it back to the Super Bowl in 2009. 2021 stats: 133 carries, 606 rushing yards, 4.6 yards per carry, 14 receptions on 18 targets, 5 total TDs. 2023 NFL Enterprises LLC. Things changed after Thomas joined the Bears, where he would rush for 3,493 yards in three seasons while helping Chicago capture the NFC title in 2006. He's still a talented all-around back but his strength might be as a part-time version of Chubb. And despite Manning's departure in 2012, a 34-year-old Wayne earned Pro Bowl honors that season while catching passes from a rookie quarterback named Andrew Luck. He spent the final two season of his career shuffling between teams before returning to Clemson, where he was recently promoted to running backs coach. Five quarterbacks, five offensive linemen, four receivers, one tight end, and eight defensive players were selected before Harris, the first running back taken in the draft. The production and potential says to meet those outcomes somewhere in the middle, with lean toward the positive. In fact, he was the first Cowboys player to be selected to the All-Pro list (1962). He is probably the top candidate to replace Ryan Day at his alma mater should Ohio State turn on Urban Meyers latest and greatest disciple. Between 2001-03, Holmes was iconic, a Pro Bowler and All-Pro for three straight seasons. As Warren Sharp pointed out, Swift won't exactly have . Join our linker program. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. Maurice Jones-Drew ranks each team's primary starting running back for the 2022 NFL season. It's safe to assume that the longtime Houston Texans standout will eventually be enshrined in Canton. He led the league in yards per rushing attempt and will start off leading what will be a much run-heavier attack without Russell Wilson. That total is not only a Falcons' franchise record, it is unofficially the the most tackles ever credited to a player in NFL history,according to the Falcons' team website. In 2015, Peterson became the second-oldest player in league history to lead the NFL in rushing. Ultimately, Green's inconsistency (he averaged just 3.7 yards per carry for his career) and off-field issues led to him being out of the NFL after just four seasons. Gore's career production alone merits a gold jacket. If you want to recognize him for being a guy who hung around longer than most big backs, fine. (AP Photo/Beth Keiser). Dillon has gone from expected power complement to Jones to a well-rounded back in his own right. A neck injury flattened the rest of his career, and he remained quiet and elusive about his health and future. (AP Photo/Al Golub), The H-Bomb was one of the most prolific running backs in pro football history. 6-keys: media/spln/nfl/reg/free/stories, By pressing sign up, I confirm that I have read and agree to the. Heading into the Divisional Round, Maurice Jones-Drew ranks the top 10 rushers remaining in the NFL playoffs, a list that includes three teams with two players apiece. Owner of the greatest single rushing season in Penn State history, Johnson began his career as Priest Holmes' backup in Kansas City. A three-time Pro Bowler, Ingram enjoyed considerable success in New Orleans before rushing for 1,018 yards and 10 touchdowns for theRavensin 2019. To me, this all really comes down to the two general managers who would have to make this potential trade work: The seasoned front-office executive Howie Roseman of the Eagles and the newcomer Ran Carthon now of the Titans. I expect for the Green Bay Packers to figure out a fair-enough trade package to get Aaron Rodgers out of their building. It wouldn't be surprising if Stevenson jumps into the top-20 with an expanded role. Warner was selected to three Pro Bowls during the 1980s, and rushed for 1,449 yards with 13 touchdowns as a rookie. He also could handle a bigger role in the passing game if needed, which might be the case if the team moves Kareem Hunt. The inconsistency tied to his efficiency puts him right in the middle. Injuries to Holmes opened the door for Johnson, who rushed for over 3,500 yards and 37 touchdowns during the 2005 and 2006 seasons. While healthy, Martin was a very good player. Eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2025, Lynch's impact was felt everywhere he went. But again, his USFL career takes away from his Pro Football Hall of Fame credentials. Smith was on the verge of having a long, prolific career, but he chose to walk away to study medicine. Thomas received just 18 starts during his first four NFL seasons. In 1965, Taylor spurned the NFL (he was drafted by theEagleswith the 203rd pick in theNFL draft) to play for the AFL'sKansas City Chiefs. Hayes is a member of the NFL's All-1980s Team. Vikings (2001-05); Chiefs (2006-07); Buccaneers (2007-08); Chargers (2008-09); Raiders (2010). 2021 stats: 187 carries, 803 rushing yards, 4.3 yards per carry, 34 receptions on 37 targets, 313 receiving yards, 7 total TDs. No. In 2014, following teammateDeAngelo Williams' injury, Stewart gained nearly 1,000-purpose yards while receiving a then-career high eight starts. No would be surprised if he boosted his Hall of Fame credentials with another massive campaign as the centerpiece of his team's offense. He returned to put together consecutive 1,000-yard seasons that included a 1,273-yard, 13 touchdown campaign in 2010. 's Top-5 Takeaways from Day 1 of March Madness, Stern: Panthers' trade up to No. Taylor was an extraordinary teammate who exemplified everything it meant to be a professional. Did the player and his team have postseason success. So, uh, can we put him in? Matthews retired with 69.5 career sacks, 27 forced fumbles and 14 fumble recoveries. Derrick Henry, Tennessee Titans. His best season came with the Eagles in 2013, when he led the league in attempts (314), rush yards (1,607), rush yards per game (100.4), touches (366) and scrimmage yards (2,164). Buffalo Bills (2007-2010), Seattle Seahawks (2010-15, 2019), Oakland Raiders (2017-18). The owner of the iconic "Beast Quake" run in the 2010 playoffs, Lynch was among the league's best running backs from 2011-14. Najee Harriswas quite pleased upon being selected by the Steelers in this year's NFL Draft. The 10,000-yard plateau is a good one to cross for that gold jacket. Philadelphia Eagles (2009-2014), Buffalo Bills (2015-18), Kansas City Chiefs (2019), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2020). A 1,000-yard rusher for three different franchises, McGahee earned his first Pro Bowl selection in 2007 as a member of the Ravens. The 10 Best Running Backs Not in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Dean Hybl June 7, 2009 10. Taylor ranks 17th all-time in rushing yards (11,695), and every non-active running back above him in that list is already in the Hall. Getty Images. 6-keys: media/spln/nfl/reg/free/stories, at Expect Jones' receiving prowess to take on critical importance given the remixed wideout corps around Aaron Rodgers. The NFL's leader in yards-per-carry average in 2009, Jones' best season took place in 2010, when he amassed 1,250 all-purpose yards for the Cowboys. The league's top prospects stepped into the NFL Photo studio for Draft portraits. Take a look at the best photos from the red carpet. Now the Chiefs are caught between featuring and fading him into a complementary role. His success that season helped the Seahawks advance to their first Super Bowl. Williams might be the No. While he never became a full-time starter, Brown managed to put together a semi-productive seven-year career. A severe spinal injury forced Wilson to retire after just 21 games. A Pro Bowler in 2002, a freak injury (he injured his foot while running on a treadmill) hindered Bennett's productivity for the remainder of his career. 2021 stats: 119 carries, 749 rushing yards, 6.3 yards per carry, 6 receptions on 8 targets, 49 receiving yards, 6 total TDs. Injuries and off-field issues led to a significant drop in production after the 2006 season. NFL running back rankings 2022 1. 2021 stats:332 carries, 1,811 rushing yards, 5.5 yards per carry, 40 receptions on 51 targets, 360 receiving yards, 20 total TDs. Has Lamar Jackson been supplanted as the NFL's most electric rusher? 1: Priest Holmes -- Perhaps the most mysterious back of all-time, he burst upon the scene with three of the most productive seasons ever, and then disappeared, just as quickly. The only running back on this list, Craig played an integral role in the 49ers' success during the 1980s. 2021 stats:292 carries, 1,205 rushing yards, 4.1 yards per carry, 42 receptions on 48 targets, 314 receiving yards, 16 total TDs. Terrell Davis deservedly was named to the Hall of Fame based on three historic seasons, before an ACL tear derailed his career. Tre'Vius Hodges-Tomlinson is a former First-Team All-American defensive back for the TCU Horned Frogs and is one of the top defensive prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft. (AP Photo/PKS), One of the big backs who burned out a little bit too quickly. 13. Smith tallied eight 1,000-yard seasons and is one of 14 players with at least 1,000 career receptions. His cultural impact is through the roof. With respect to Tom Jackson and Rod Smith, Gradishar remains the greatest Bronco who is still waiting for his place in Canton. The Falcons won just 10 games during Jackson's two seasons in Atlanta, however, thus leading to Jackson signing with the Patriots with the hope of winning a championship. Taylor has been eligible for seven years now. Thomas, a seven-time Pro Bowler and five-time All-Pro, is at the top of that list. Canidate never played in another NFL game. 26-50 6. And he absolutely quantifies the whole "you can't tell the story of the NFL without this player" requirement. He was a better receiver than he is given credit for and he was the MVP of Super Bowl XXV. And following an unceremonious end of his tenure with the Chiefs, Johnson had largely forgettable stops in Cincinnati, Washington and Miami. Lynch is 29th all time on the regular-season career rushing list and eighth on the playoff career rushing list. (AP Photo/Ed Reinke), I don't get this one. He'll have to wait his turn, but should get a gold jacket one day. NFL and the NFL shield design are registered trademarks of the National Football League.The team names, logos and uniform designs are registered trademarks of the teams indicated. Stevenson was touted as a power back out of Oklahoma but showed he could be complete as a rookie, to the point he may pick up injured James White's key receiving snaps in 2022 to split more of the work with Harris. TD. 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In fact, that 1994 season kicked off a seven-season stretch in which Watters had at least 1,500 scrimmage yards per year -- the second-longest streak in NFL history. As far as the Titans are concerned, lets just hope Carthon and head coach Mike Vrabel are on the same page and have owner Amy Adams Strunks blessing to do whatever is in the best interest of the Titans franchise. 2021 stats: 130 carries, 719 rushing yards, 5.5 yards per carry, 39 receptions on 46 targets, 337 receiving yards, 2 total TDs. Swift has some good Kamara-like assets and is now helped by strong blocking and a better complementary passing game. Plus, MJD updates his ranking of the top 15 running backs right now. We present them here for purely educational purposes. Bills (2004-06); Ravens (2007-10); Broncos (2011-12); Browns (2013). At 28, Henry is facing an important rebound year as the massive workload from 2019 and 2020 caught up to him last season. You won't want to miss a moment of the 2023 season! He earned Pro Bowl honors in 2008 while helping Miami capture the AFC East title. Dillon in this backfield, but that's also helped him stay fresh and kept him in an explosive groove in Matt LaFleur's zone rushing attack. After rehabbing for the 2003 season, McGahee rushed for 1,128 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2004 while leading the Bills to the precipice of the postseason. Peterson was a three-time league rushing champion with Minnesota, including in his 2012 MVP season when he rushed for 2,097 yards, and helped the team to four playoff appearances. Ekeler had been under-appreciated for his unique receiving-forward role for Philip Rivers and Justin Herbert. Craig was a four-time Pro Bowler, and a three-time champion. Green attempted a comeback in 2008 but was never signed to a contract. He was an absolute force out of the backfield, and I witnessed Taylor's greatness firsthand in Jacksonville over my first three seasons in the league (2006-08). Dallas Cowboys star running back Ezekiel Elliott has stated that his goal is to rush for 10,000 yards and collect a spot in the Hall of Fame. 2021 stats:258 carries, 1,037 rushing yards, 4.0 yards per carry, 42 receptions on 52 targets, 294 receiving yards, 10 total TDs. 1 / 60 Ranked fifth in NFL history with 14,918 career rushing yards, Peterson wants to play in 2022 and perhaps beyond. Dallas Cowboys star running back Ezekiel Elliott has stated that his goal is to rush for 10,000 yards and collect a spot in the Hall of Fame. He was never the same after that. 3: Roger Craig -- One of the best multi-purpose backs ever, he was the first to run for 1,000 yards and catch another 1,000 in the same season. Mendenhall finished his career in Arizona before retiring after just six seasons. "The Assassin" was one of the hardest hitting safeties in league history. As we remember Chuck Muncie, it's pertinent to reflect on the greatest running backs in NFL history who are not in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara), Dupree was injured for most of his pro career, the majority of which was wasted in the USFL. Would Henry thrive in Philadelphia? Three years later, he helped the Saints win the franchise's only Super Bowl title. With theCowboyspunting from their own 16-yard line, Tasker was lined up against linebacker Robert Jones, a rookie who filled in for an injured starter. 9. That being said, he didn't love seeing 23 players get selected before his name was called. Cook just needs to come through with full health for his Age-27 season. George had the individual production, including seven seasons with 300-plus carries and 1,000-plus rush yards, but he also helped the Tennessee Titans reach the franchise's first Super Bowl in the modern era. He needs a jolt in the passing game with more durability in the running game to re-establish himself as a lead, stat. Of the three hall-of-fame-caliber players who are potentially on the trade block heading into Thursday nights draft, Henry is the one I feel the least certain about him being dealt. The league's leading receiver on two separate occasions, Holt was the Rams' No. A year after the merge, Taylor led the NFL in receiving yards while earning All-Pro honors. One of the league's best running backs during his heyday, Alexander . 2021 stats: 180 carries, 812 rushing yards, 4.5 yards per carry, 69 receptions on 84 targets, 454 receiving yards, 10 total TDs. He's also one of eight players in league history with 10,000-plus career rush yards and 4,000-plus career receiving yards. His play helped the Dolphins make the playoffs each year from 1997-01. Atlanta's first draft pick, Nobis played on just two winning teams during his 11-year tenure with the Falcons. Ward is considered the most physical receiver of his era. Texas running back Bijan Robinson is a popular pick, but Hall of Fame RB LaDainian Tomlinson has his eyes on a defensive player. Faulk's statistics weren't just gaudy numbers for a bad team. To say Vrabel blew a gasket when Carthons predecessor Jon Robinson traded wide receiver A.J. Simpson. Jonathan Taylor, Colts (5-10, 226 pounds) Taylor has parlayed his prolific play at Wisconsin into the complete durable package in the NFL. "Playoff Lenny" gained 448 total yards and four touchdowns during the Buccaneers' 2020 playoff run. How good was Lewis? In 2009, Johnson became the sixth member of the NFL's 2,000-yard club after rushing for a league-high 2,006 yards.
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best running backs not in the hall of fame