The NFL Elite: Running Backs

Running back analysis presents a simpler formula than the quarterback position. The demands on a quarterback have changed radically over the past 40 years. For running backs, the criteria is pretty consistent. The athletes today may be bigger, stronger, faster and more explosive, but the tapes of great runners from the 60’s look very similar to the qualities manifested by the best running backs today. A great running back must have speed (the faster the better), great vision (see the hole), elusiveness (make the first guy miss), power (run over tacklers), durability (take big and continuous hits and survive), good hands (quality pass receiver), ability to pass protect and mental toughness. Basically, be highly skilled and a vicious competitor. Don’t underestimate durability when assessing career excellence. There is a very long list of running backs with 1-3 years of outstanding performance, but their bodies broke down rather quickly. The “ELITE” list below has home run hitters and survivors, but a common denominator, with the exception of Gale Sayers, is they were at the top of their game for a decade. We applied my unfailing eyeball test and researched career yards gained, best individual yards gained year, Pro Bowl honours, Hall of Fame recognition, pass receptions and yardage, team excellence.

The “BEST of the BEST” is below.

1) Jim Brown

2) Barry Sanders

3) Walter Payton

4) Emmitt Smith

5) OJ Simpson

6) Eric Dickerson

7) Earl Camphell

8) Gale Sayers

9) Marshall Faulk

10) Thurman Thomas

11) LaDamian Tomlinson

12) Jerome Bettis

13) Tony Dorsett

14) Adrian Peterson

15) Marcus Allen

16) John Riggins

17) Terrell Davis

18) Curtis Martin

19) Edgerrin James

20) Franco Harris

21) Derek Henry

22) Shaun Alexander

23) Larry Csonka

24) Jim Taylor

25) Frank Gore