Warren also went to three Pro Bowls, but was often overshadowed by some of the great running backs of the 1990s like Emmitt Smith and Barry Sanders. All of these men are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, but there are many talented running backs that are not enshrined in Canton for some reason. After seven active seasons in Baltimore, Lewis played three more seasons in Cleveland, where he posted two more 1,000-yard rushing seasons. 2020 stats: 134carries, 805 rushing yards, 6.0 yards per carry, 18 receptions on 24 targets, 120 receiving yards, 9 total TDs. But his production plummeted after breaking his collarbone during the 2014 season. The seventh-leading rusher in NFL history, Tomlinson posted eight consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons en route to being named to the NFL's All-2000s Team. It finally came, thanks to durability and a top-flight passing game with Joe Burrow that opened things up for him to put it all together. Maurice Jones-Drew evaluated every running back who started a game during the 2022 NFL regular season to create a COMPLETE ranking, from 1 to 75. Despite his abbreviated prime, Alexander is 36th on the league's career rushing list. 2004-2023 CBS Interactive. And following an unceremonious end of his tenure with the Chiefs, Johnson had largely forgettable stops in Cincinnati, Washington and Miami. And while his career was short, Wilson did set aGiantsfranchise record for total yards gained in a game when he amassed 327 yards in a 2012 win over theSaints. Expect Penny to be threatened, however, for key touches by rookie Ken Walker. Still, I think they are more likely to draft Texas Bijan Robinson if the Atlanta Falcons pass on him. Copyright 2000-2023 Sports Reference LLC. As a rookie, he started over future All-Pro Priest Holmes. Freeman McNeil, New York Jets: 1981-1992 1 of 10 9. And while his 2020 season was not quite as good, Jacobs nonetheless was named to his first Pro Bowl last year on the strength of his 12 rushing touchdowns. 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. They traded LeSean McCoy in his prime to the Buffalo Bills for linebacker Kiko Alonso, but even that may have been more to do with Chip Kelly being in the building than anything. After missing the entire 2001 season with an injury, Lewis rushed for over 1,000 yards in six out of the next seven seasons. One of the greatest special teams players in NFL history, Tasker earned seven Pro Bowl nods from 1987-95. But if the 38-year-old doesn't play another snap in the NFL, he'll be eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2026. We have tools and resources that can help you use sports data. 1 on this list and he should be headed to his biggest all-around season yet with his expanded role in a Kevin O'Connell offensive scheme tailored to his rushing and receiving strengths. The Bengals' all-time leading passer, Anderson's boom under Bill Walsh's "West Coast" offense set the stage for Walsh's success with Joe Montana in San Francisco. A seven-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro, Johnson is 11th all-time in receptions and receiving yards. Muncie tied the single-season record with 19 touchdowns in 1981. 2021 stats: 206 carries, 911 rushing yards, 4.4 yards per carry, 70 receptions on 94 targets, 647 receiving yards, 20 total TDs. Pro Football Reference Hall of Fame Monitor, Frequently Asked Questions about the NFL and Football, Pro-Football-Reference.com Blog and Articles, Subscribe to Stathead Football: Get your first month FREE. But Taylor's quietexcellence was the central part of the Jags' identity for years. Perhaps he was overlooked, since he played games in Jacksonville. On the field, he had speed, vision and the ability to shred through defenses. 11:15 am ET. Anderson was a true stud in every sense of the word. Dupree did give it a go with the Los Angeles Rams, but he just couldn't make it happen. That doesn't get you in the Hall of Fame. Jacksonville Jaguars (1998-2008), New England Patriots (2009-2010). Maroney (following an injury-marred 2008 season) posted another solid season in 2009 before finishing his career with the Broncos. He's been snubbed often, and it's a real shame that he's not a finalist this year. NFL footage NFL Productions LLC. McCaffrey is looking to bounce back after an injury sidelined him for all but three games in 2020. HIs major foot injury cost him nine games and the Titans need to be wary about overworking him. Knee problems may ultimately keep Gurley from going down as an all-time great. The 14 Hall of Famers in this group averaged. Pro Bowls: 9. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. No. Hall is a great fit for the zone blocking scheme of Mike LaFleur and will benefit from a further upgraded offensive line and the downfield passing game getting more attention. Did he win (or compete for) a league MVP award? Gore's career production alone merits a gold jacket. In 1984, Matthews led the league with 126 tackles while also posting 12 sacks and three forced fumbles. . Texas running back Bijan Robinson is a popular pick, but Hall of Fame RB LaDainian Tomlinson has his eyes on a defensive player. He earned Pro Bowl honors again in 1972 at the age of 30. A menacing pass rusher, Greenwood sacked Roger Staubach a record four times in the Steelers' Super Bowl X victory over theCowboys. But he's currently 19th all time in rushing yardage. Through three seasons, the former San Diego State standout has rushed for just 823 yards on 161 carries for theSeahawks. He's currently eighth all-time with 14,731 career receiving yards. The five-time Pro Bowl running back was a scoring machine in the San Francisco 49ers' Super Bowl XXIX win, with three TDs and 108 scrimmage yards on 18 touches. Dillon scored 37 of his 82 rushing touchdowns during his three years in New England, which ultimately is the push his Hall of Fame case needed. 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. Maurice Jones-Drew identifies five running backs who can save their teams' seasons down the stretch. A first round pick by Oakland in 1970, Jack Tatum was brought in to be Dave Grayson's replacement. All HOFm Positions: QBRBWRTEGTCDTDEILBOLBDBKP, Every Sports Reference Social Media Account, Site Last Updated: Sunday, April 30, 2:31PM. I mean, they just let Sanders walk, which I dont really understand, but here we are, so good luck with that! McGahee is 41st all time on the career rushing list, an incredible achievement considering the significance of his 2003 knee injury. Dillon was one of the best of his era and checks most of the boxes, but it'll likely be a waiting game for him because guys who become eligible in the coming years will get in before him. Thomas continued to have success with the Jets, where he posted three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons while earning his lone Pro Bowl selection in 2008. This juicy rumor all began on Saturday when ex-NFL player and fellow CAA client Akbar Gbajabiamila reported that the Eagles were looking to trade for Henry. . Matthews retired with 69.5 career sacks, 27 forced fumbles and 14 fumble recoveries. He is currently third on the Dolphins' career rushing list, behind Williams and Csonka. In 12 seasons, he rushed for 10,413 yards and 85 rushing touchdowns (16th all time), and his 12 postseason rushing TDs are tied for fourth-most in NFL history alongside Hall of Famers Terrell Davis and John Riggins. A 1,000-yard rusher for three different franchises, McGahee earned his first Pro Bowl selection in 2007 as a member of the Ravens. He hit the 1,000-yard mark again for theLionsin 2013. Matthews' play was a major reason why the Browns appeared in three AFC Championship Games from 1986-89. A six-time Pro Bowler from 2006-10 and in 2012, Wayne led the NFL in receiving yards in 2007. Smith's extreme competitiveness more than made up for his 5-foot-9, 195-pound frame. San Francisco 49ers (1992-94), Philadelphia Eagles (1995-97), Seattle Seahawks (1998-2001). Nobody considers him the best of his generation. Dillon had the size (6-foot-1, 225 pounds) and physical style similar to Eddie George. HOF-eligible for a decade-plus, George was named a semifinalist back in November for the first time. Pollard has been the ideal change-of-pace back to support Elliott with his flashy running and fluid receiving. 2021 stats: 119 carries, 517 rushing yards, 4.3 yards per carry, 19 receptions on 23 targets, 129 receiving yards, 6 total TDs. However, he only spent three of those years with the . (AP Photo/Kevin Terrell), That's right, Bo Jackson is the greatest running back not in the Hall of Fame. You have to wonder if his prickly personality is what is keeping him out of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. While I have you: Put Coryell in the Hall of . Maurice Jones-Drew assembles the perfect running back, combining the traits of some of today's top talent in the NFL. He was an impossible matchup for opponents at the height of the San Francisco 49ers' dynasty in the 1980s. 2021 stats: 203carries, 903 rushing yards, 4.4 yards per carry, 43 receptions on 53 targets, 316 receiving yards, 7 total TDs. (AP Photo/Al Golub), The H-Bomb was one of the most prolific running backs in pro football history. Copyright 2023 Sporting News Holdings Limited. The 10 Best Running Backs Not in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Dean Hybl June 7, 2009 10. Faulk's statistics weren't just gaudy numbers for a bad team. Williams can be a reliable supporting cog for Russell Wilson in every capacity, taking the Jones role in the Packers-like system. 2196.8. In a Hall-of-Fame career . 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. No. 's Top-5 Takeaways from Day 1 of March Madness, Stern: Panthers' trade up to No. He was a smooth fit in the system with his quick running and did fine as a receiver when needed there. He won Offensive Player of the Year as a rookie in 1996, and then made four straight Pro Bowls. While he continuously battled through injury, McFadden still managed to amass 1,664 all-purpose yards for the Raiders in 2010. NFL running back rankings 2022 1. 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. 4: Fred Taylor -- He has more yards rushing yards than any eligible back not in the Hall of Fame. 6-keys: media/spln/nfl/reg/free/stories, at Two years later, Brown set career highs with six rushing touchdowns and 751 all-purpose yards. But, a bronze Canton bust is far from a certainty, so let's look at the best backs not in the Hall. Taylor finished with 11,695 yards, good for 17th all-time. Even though, you know, the USFL was pro football. TD. Second, he hasn't build on being a top-flight receiving back at LSU, which what he was expected to do in the Chiefs' pass-first offense. Lynch made his first Pro Bowl in Buffalo, but his "Beast Mode" persona was born in Seattle. Austin Collie Swift has some good Kamara-like assets and is now helped by strong blocking and a better complementary passing game. ARIZONA CARDINALS: QB Jim Hart (1966-1983). Derrick Henry, Tennessee Titans. 2021 stats:228 carries, 1,259 rushing yards, 5.5 yards per carry, 20 receptions on 25 targets, 174 receiving yards, 9 total TDs. . His play helped the Dolphins make the playoffs each year from 1997-01. 1 now, but there's a reason why Denver decided late to bring back Gordon as a savvy No. 2021 stats: 188 carries, 870 rushing yards, 4.6 yards per carry, 40 receptions on 50 targets, 228receiving yards, 8 total TDs. Minnesota Vikings (2007-2016), Arizona Cardinals (2017), New Orleans (2017), Washington Commanders (2018-19), Detroit Lions (2020), Tennessee Titans (2021), Seattle Seahawks (2021). 2023 NFL Enterprises LLC. He was putting up those numbers while helping the St. Louis Rams to two Super Bowls, winning one in 1999. In 2015, Peterson became the second-oldest player in league history to lead the NFL in rushing. Of the 31 runners to have done it, 16 are in the Hall and two more are locks (Adrian Peterson and Frank Gore). 5: Ricky Watters -- In his first five years in the NFL, he garnered Pro Bowl nods every season. When healthy, the former Fresno State star was a Pro Bowl-caliber player. Mendenhall finished his career in Arizona before retiring after just six seasons. Use without license or authorization is expressly prohibited. Thomas, who finished his career with the Chiefs, is 26th all time on the league's career rushing list. 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. He was a better receiver than he is given credit for and he was the MVP of Super Bowl XXV. section: | slug: ranking-every-nfl-running-back-drafted-in-round-1-since-2000-ladainian-tomlinson-leads-the-list | sport: football | route: article_single.us | Plus, just how far did Pollard climb in MJD's RB rankings after his big Week 11 outing? "Playoff Lenny" gained 448 total yards and four touchdowns during the Buccaneers' 2020 playoff run. 106. In fact, he was the first Cowboys player to be selected to the All-Pro list (1962). In 2001, Faulk was Top 5 in both rushing (12) and receiving touchdowns (9). While somewhat underwhelming, Green still managed to rack up 1,000 all-purpose yards while helping theBrownsmake the playoffs during this rookie season. Our reasoning for presenting offensive logos. Bears (2005-07); Bengals (2008-11); Packers (2012). Despite his team's lack of success, Nobis earned the recognition of his peers, earning five Pro Bowl selections and one All-Pro nod during his first seven seasons. The AFL's leader in touchdown catches the following season, Taylor helped the Chiefs capture their first Super Bowl win at the end of the 1969 season. PART OF AUDACY SPORTS. A 2017 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee, Tomlinson led the NFL in rushing two times and rushing touchdowns three times. The only running back on this list, Craig played an integral role in the 49ers' success during the 1980s. His relentless work ethic -- both physically and in the film room -- allowed him to be one of the best of his era. (AP Photo/Pro Football Hall of Fame) . He rushed for at least 1,100 yards in each of his first six NFL seasons, scoring 10 TDs as a rookie. MORE Top 50 Players in BYU Football History Nos. 9. A three-time Pro Bowler (and two-time All-Pro) during his first four seasons, Gurley led the NFL in rushing touchdowns in consecutive years while helping theRamsreach the Super Bowl in 2018. At 28, Henry is facing an important rebound year as the massive workload from 2019 and 2020 caught up to him last season. Three years later, he teamed up with Hall of Fame cornerback Mike Haynes to shut down Washington's talented receiving corps in Super Bowl XVIII. He's been a semifinalist for three straight years but has yet to be named a finalist. TheSteelers' all-time leader in receptions, yards and touchdowns, Ward is also eighth all-time in career postseason receiving yards (1,181). The Hall of Famer loses some points for being tied at the top of all running backs ever in terms of most fumbles lost. With that in mind, we decided to put together a list of the 20 best NFL players who are not in the Hall of Fame. While he would never come close to duplicating his success of 2002, Bennett still managed to carve out a 10-year career. During that span, Lynch made four Pro Bowls, one All-Pro, and led the NFL in rushing touchdowns in consecutive seasons. NFL footage NFL Productions LLC. A powerful running back, the 6-foot, 254-pound Duckett spend his first three NFL seasons as part of a talented Falcons backfield that featured Michael Vick and fellow running back Warrick Dunn. A three-time Pro Bowler, Ingram enjoyed considerable success in New Orleans before rushing for 1,018 yards and 10 touchdowns for theRavensin 2019. After sharing a backfield for two seasons, the former Ohio State Buckeye took advantage of his elevated role in 2011. With respect to Tom Jackson and Rod Smith, Gradishar remains the greatest Bronco who is still waiting for his place in Canton. This is where the line in most all-time best running back conversations is drawn. Of course, this list will only look at those eligible for the Hall of Fame (so Shaun Alexander, who should get in, is not included). Johnson's 9,651 rushing yards are good for 35th on the all-time list, ahead of Hall of Famers Earl Campbell, Jim Taylor and Larry Csonka, among others. 2021 stats: 187 carries, 803 rushing yards, 4.3 yards per carry, 34 receptions on 37 targets, 313 receiving yards, 7 total TDs. He doesn't offer much as a receiver but he gets the yards that are there with good burst. (AP Photo/PKS), One of the big backs who burned out a little bit too quickly. 2021 stats: 130 carries, 719 rushing yards, 5.5 yards per carry, 39 receptions on 46 targets, 337 receiving yards, 2 total TDs. Thomas Jones. Plus, how far did Josh Jacobs climb in MJD's top 15 RB rankings after a huge performance last week? Formerly the Panthers' career rushing leader, Williams enjoyed a late career resurgence in Pittsburgh, as the Steelers went 10-4 with Williams in the starting lineup. The 2023 NFL Draft has arrived! People talk about Bo Jackson on "Tecmo Super Bowl", but Okoye is no slouch in that game, either. 2023 NFL Enterprises LLC. He had seven seasons with at least 1,100 rushing yards. Here's a look at some of the best prospects available for teams drafting in the early part of the second round: Jordan Porter Jr., CB, Penn State. It was worth it as the . Harris has operated as a reliable power back for McDaniels and he will remain the early-down and red zone back of choice in New England behind some sturdy blocking, assuming he stays in New England. Cardinals (2000-02); Buccaneers (2003); Bears (2004-06); Jets (2007-09); Chiefs (2010-11). One of the league's best running backs during his heyday, Alexander . Vrabel was furious! Willis packed a lot into a relatively short career. the Eagles were looking to trade for Henry. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton), Unfairly remembered for "The Fumble," which hurt the Cleveland Browns' chances for a Super Bowl bid. Tomlinson was named league MVP in 2006 after scoring an NFL-record 31 touchdowns. Known during his playing days as "The Judge," Hayes was a dominant shut down defender who earned five straight Pro Bowl nods from 1980-84. 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. The 10,000-yard plateau is a good one to cross for that gold jacket. A key member of the Panthers' 2003 Super Bowl team, Smith overcame a significant injury in 2004 to win Comeback Player of the Year after lading the NFL in receptions, receiving yards and touchdown catches in 2005. A member of the NFL's All-2000s Team, Lewis is 25th all time on the NFL's career rushing list. Holmes was absolutely unstoppable for those three seasons in the Kansas City Chiefs' high-powered attack. (AP Photo/Beth Keiser). 2020 stats (at Clemson): 168 carries, 914 rushing yards, 5.4 yards per carry, 48 receptions, 588 receiving yards, 16 total TDs. Hayes helped the Raiders win their second Super Bowl that season. Jones shared a backfield for most of his career; he spent three seasons playing alongside Marion Barber and two years with DeMarco Murray. Williams retired with 10,202 all-purpose yards and 70 total touchdowns. Curt Warner, Seattle Seahawks/Los Angeles. 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. He was instrumental in helping the Pats win their third Super Bowl in four seasons. No. 2004-2023 CBS Interactive. But he's already done more than enough to land himself among the game's immortal. A score of 100 is around the average modern-era inductee. Marshall, who was still a starter at age 42, helped the Vikings win three NFC titles along with the NFL championship in 1969. Please see our Contributors and Sources page for data source details. Chubb is known for his chunk running and special burst that comes out of his powerful style. Little (1967-75) was. Cliff Branch, who was posthumously enshrined on Saturday, had been eligible for 30 years before his family received that long-awaited phone call. He earned Pro Bowl honors in 2008 while helping Miami capture the AFC East title. 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. Now the Chiefs are caught between featuring and fading him into a complementary role. Mitchell became the 49ers' fifth leading rusher in as many seasons under Kyle Shanahan last season, taking advantage of injuries to veterans and the lacking reliability of higher drafted rookie Trey Sermon. With the 115th pick, the Chicago Bears . If you want to recognize him for being a guy who hung around longer than most big backs, fine. 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. Up and Down arrows will open main level menus and toggle through sub tier links. Many football historians believe Jim Brown to be the greatest running back ever. With seven seasons of 1,000 yards rushing, Watters sits 24th all-time in yards on the ground. The Saints have had to lean more on Kamara's rushing on top of his consistent receiving in the past two seasons and he's proved to have the legs for it, even with some missed time.
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