NFL Player Rankings     Updated - 8-13-10

 

 

RUNNING BACKS

 

1. ADRIAN PETERSON, MINNESOTA VIKINGS

-Expect a huge year from Peterson in 2010. He’s big, fast, sturdy and elusive. Must have better ball security.

 

2. CHRIS JOHNSON, TENNESSEE TITANS

-If these were fantasy rankings, he’d be #1. Ungodly speed, underrated strength and solid receiving skills. Doesn’t give you much in short yardage.

 

3. MAURICE JONES DREW, JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

-Electric with ball in his hands. Tough to bring down and speed to break the long runs. Running lanes will be tough to come by unless the Jags’ passing game improves.

 

4. STEVEN JACKSON, ST. LOUIS RAMS

-If he’s healthy, he’s every bit the player Peterson is. But, he’s coming off back surgery and stuck on a terrible team.

 

5. RAY RICE, BALTIMORE RAVENS

-Exploded onto the scene in ’09. Compact, quick and elusive in space. A great asset in the passing game as well.

 

6. MICHAEL TURNER, ATLANTA FALCONS

-Was overweight and injured for much of ’09. His weight is down and the power back is primed for a big season.
 

7. FRANK GORE, SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

-Has been surprisingly durable as a pro, despite major knee injuries in college. Powerful, well balanced and can break the long run.

 

8. DEANGELO WILLIAMS, CAROLINA PANTHERS

-Shares backfield duties, but has shown he can carry the load. Speed to burn and underrated power.

 

9. RICKY WILLAMS, MIAMI DOLPHINS

-Still has plenty left in the tank and has the speed / power combination to be dominant. Offers plenty in the passing game as well.

 

10. CEDRIC BENSON, CINCINNATI BENGALS

-Has learned to use his size and strength to his benefit. Runs consistently hard and breaks more than his share of tackles.

 

11. JONATHAN STEWART, CAROLINA PANTHERS

-Power back with enough speed to turn the corner and go the distance. Must stay out of the training room to ever become elite.

 

12. RASHARD MENDENHALL, PITTSBURGH STEELERS

-Instinctive runner with great size / speed ratio. Very good hands and devastating pass blocker. Runs too upright and runs smaller than his size indicates.

 

13. RYAN GRANT, GREEN BAY PACKERS

-Has a tendency to get worn down late in games. Not as physical as you’d like. Has become a great bad weather runner.

 

14. JAMAAL CHARLES, KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

-Speed to burn. Can break the long run. Deceptive strength as a runner. Catches the ball well, but needs work as a blocker.

 

15. THOMAS JONES, KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

-Consistent and not flashy. Would be higher on this list if he were entering the season as a starter. His generation’s Curtis Martin.

 

16. RONNIE BROWN, MIAMI DOLPHINS

-Injuries have decimated much of his breakaway speed. When healthy, he is a terrific all-around back. Dangerous in the receiving game.

 

17. BRANDON JACOBS, NEW YORK GIANTS

-One of the few traditional power backs remaining in the NFL. Like most power backs, he seems to be suffering a rapid decline.

 

18. MARION BARBER, DALLAS COWBOYS

-Has dropped weight in an attempt to increase his quickness…and to save his job. Power runner who now seems hesitant to deliver hits to defenders.

 

19. JOSEPH ADDAI, INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

-Has become more of a plodder. Doesn’t have much elusiveness, but is consistent and catches the ball extremely well.

 

20. FRED JACKSON, BUFFALO BILLS

-Showed in 2009 that he can carry the load. With Marshawn Lynch back in tow, he will not get as many carries in 2010.

 

21. LESEAN MCCOY, PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

-Quick as a cat and dangerous in the open field. Should thrive as the lead back in Andy Reid’s system.

 

22. KNOWSHON MORENO, DENVER BRONCOS

-Wore down towards the end of his rookie campaign. Extremely explosive in bursts and has more power that usually given credit for.

 

23. PIERRE THOMAS, NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

-No nonsense runner who gets overshadowed by other players on a star-studded offense. Very consistent and rarely loses yards or puts the ball on the ground.

 

24. FELIX JONES, DALLAS COWBOYS

-If he could stay healthy, he would be in the top 15. Speedy back who can score from anywhere on the field. Must improve as a pass blocker.

 

25. MATT FORTE, CHICAGO BEARS

-Is he the rookie sensation or the second year slumper? Excels in the passing game and shows the ability to put his foot in the ground and get up field with authority.

 

26. CHESTER TAYLOR, CHICAGO BEARS

-Essentially a more experienced Forte. Great hands and effective blocker.

 

27. AHMAD BRADSHAW, NEW YORK GIANTS

-The perfect change of pace back to Brandon Jacobs. His speed and big play ability may force him into the starting lineup.

 

28. CADILLAC WILLIAMS, TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

-Knee injuries have sapped him of many of the physical gifts that made him special. Still a hard runner with a passion for the game.

 

29. SHONN GREENE, NEW YORK JETS

-Will get the chance to be the #1 guy in his second season. Big back with sneaky speed. Tends to stay banged up and inconsistent.

 

30. LADAINIAN TOMLINSON, NEW YORK JETS

-All-time great who now lacks the explosiveness to break the big play. Still an asset in the passing game.

 

31. CLINTON PORTIS, WASHINGTON REDSKINS

-Amazing that he is only 29 years old. Not able to break long runs any longer, but runs as hard as any back in the league. Will sacrifice his body for the team.

 

32. MICHAEL BUSH, OAKLAND RAIDERS

-Big back who runs smaller than his size indicates. Has been extremely effective when given extended opportunities.

 
 

ROOKIES (WITH A CHANCE TO CRACK TOP 32)

 

1. RYAN MATTHEWS, SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

-Will immediately be the #1 back in San Diego. Low center of gravity and great balance are his best assets.

 

2. C.J. SPILLER, BUFFALO BILLS

-One of the faster backs in the league. How he’s used will determine his potential ranking.

 

3. JAHVID BEST, DETROIT LIONS

-Similar to Spiller, in that his use will prove to determine his value. Quick and expolsive.

 

4. MONTARIO HARDESTY, CLEVELAND BROWNS

-Has received rave reviews in the offseason. Big, fast and tough. If he stays healthy he could be special.