Top 5 NFL Running backs
Marshawn Lynch RB #24
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Strengths
+ wide/powerful base + toughest runner inside the tackles + exceptional foot quickness and elusiveness + runs hard and always falls forward + great burst and ability to change speeds + defenders fear him in the open field Weaknesses - outside runs where he cannot generate power and momentum up the field - press conferences |
Final Verdict
"Beast mode" makes his case for the best back in the league. A special runner who has elite balance, power and strength. Great COD skills for a back his size. Has great vision and creates big plays by cutting against the grain. A decisive runner who is the toughest player to tackle in the NFL. Injuries derailed his 2015 campaign and retirement will always be a hot topic during the offseason.
*Injuries caused him to miss 9 games in 2015
*Injuries caused him to miss 9 games in 2015
Le'Veon Bell RB #26
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Strengths
+ bell-cow/workhorse back + versatility (83 rec, 3 TDs in 2014) + vision to press the hole and get what the defense gives him + quick feet and great spin move to elude defenders + good speed and burst to get to the second level + ball security (0 fumbles in 2014) Weaknesses - multiple league violations have cost him games early in his career - lacks home run hitting speed |
Final Verdict
Despite missing a few games due to suspension, Le'Veon Bell is one of the best backs in the league. Surprisingly elusive for a back his size. A bell-cow that can handle consecutive touches late in the game. Versatile and can catch passes out of the backfield or when lined up at wide receiver. He has been greatly influenced by Antonio Brown's work ethic. Since entering the league in 2013, Bell has trimmed down from his college weight and looks the part of an every down back.
*Missed final 10 games with a torn MCL
Adrian Perterson RB #28
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Strengths
+ great size, speed and strength + elite explosiveness and COD skills + moves the pile and always gains extra yards after contact + runs angry and is intimidating to tackle Weaknesses - ability to catch the ball out of the backfield - can sometimes be loose with the football |
Final Verdict
If Marshawn Lynch is "Beast Mode", then Adrian Peterson is an absolute freak. "All-Day" Adrian Peterson possesses every physical trait you look for at the running back position. The best combination of size and speed in the NFL. Prospects like him don't come along very often. An iron stiff arm and ankle-breaking juke moves are a couple reasons why he is so hard to tackle. A threat to score every time he touches the ball. He looks to initiate contact with defenders. Runs with passion and conviction, consistently gaining yards after contact. Peterson was suspended for most of 2014, but no one is underestimating him for 2015. Remember what happened in 2012?
Jamaal Charles RB #25
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Strengths
+ game breaking ability + versatility out of the backfield (40 rec in 2014) + ability to get skinny and maneuver in tight spaces + creates havoc in open space Weaknesses - ball security is an issue - doesn't have the body type to endure constant punishment in the NFL - has suffered multiple injuries in the past couple of seasons |
Final Verdict
Charles is one of the most explosive backs in the NFL. Gets to the second level quickly and is a terror to tackle in space. Constant threat in the passing game. Has a chance to score every time he touches the ball. Nagging injuries hindered his production in 2014. Ball security (14 fumbles since 2012) is the major issue he needs to clean up. Look for a healthy Charles to bounce back and have a big year in 2015.
*Missed final 11 games with a torn ACL
*Missed final 11 games with a torn ACL
DeMarco Murray RB #29
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Strengths
+special when it comes to taking what the defense gives him +amazing patience in the backfield +one cut runner who finds a seam and goes without hesitation +savvy open field runner Weaknesses -success partially credited to Dallas' offensive line -not the most explosive runner in space -injury prone for most of football career -ball security (5 fumbles, all lost) |
Final Verdict
A strong one cut runner who is best running up-field. While a great offensive line and a healthy body skyrocketed his production in 2014, Murray does have a few special traits. Vision and patience are without a doubt his strongest assets. Shows the ability to hit the hole with conviction consistently. Murray lets the game come to him and always takes what the defense gives him.
* In 2015 Murray will play in Chip Kelly's high-powered offense. He will need to prove that his running-style can adapt to a new system. Running backs can have trouble switching to a system where their shoulders are not square to the line of scrimmage when receiving the football. Murray's vision and overall skill-set will be challenged in Philadelphia.
* In 2015 Murray will play in Chip Kelly's high-powered offense. He will need to prove that his running-style can adapt to a new system. Running backs can have trouble switching to a system where their shoulders are not square to the line of scrimmage when receiving the football. Murray's vision and overall skill-set will be challenged in Philadelphia.