Plus, an updated ranking of his top 15 running backs ahead of Week 17. While Vrabel has no worries about his job security, does he even want to rebuild in Nashville? Plus, check out his updated ranking of the top 15 RBs right now. 1 receiver when St. Louis made a return trip to theSuper Bowlin 2001. Keeanu Benton, DT, Wisconsin Don't be surprised if several of these players receive a bronze bust in Canton sometime in the near future. 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. Our reasoning for presenting offensive logos. If his early years weren't languished in the football graveyard of St. Louis, he would no doubt be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. 6-keys: media/spln/nfl/reg/free/stories, By pressing sign up, I confirm that I have read and agree to the. Swift, like Chubb and others, keeps the pipeline strong for Georgia running backs in the NFL. Gore's career production alone merits a gold jacket. He can be an older Dillon to Williams' younger Jones. Named the NFL's Rookie of the Year in 1966 by Sporting News, Nobis recorded a whopping 294 tackles that season. 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. 2023 Audacy, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. McAllister's 6,096 rushing yards remains the Saints' career rushing record. 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. He needs a jolt in the passing game with more durability in the running game to re-establish himself as a lead, stat. When healthy, the former Fresno State star was a Pro Bowl-caliber player. 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. (He won his second in Tampa last season). Jacobs seems to always need to deal with competition in both his steady rushing and receiving roles. I could be totally wrong in this, but I feel Rodgers and Hopkins get traded before Henry ever does. Brooks excelled at running, receiving and kickoff returns. He was elusiveenough to make defenders miss, but could lower the boom at the goal line as well. Maurice Jones-Drew identifies five running backs who can save their teams' seasons down the stretch. Jonathan Taylor, Colts (5-10, 226 pounds) Taylor has parlayed his prolific play at Wisconsin into the complete durable package in the NFL. Best players available on Day 2 of the 2023 NFL Draft Unlike most induction classes, there was not a single member of this year's class that got in on the first ballot. In fact, he was the first Cowboys player to be selected to the All-Pro list (1962). Johnson tallied six 1,000-yard campaigns in Nashville before spending one season with theJets. Injuries and the emergence of 2017 seventh-round pickChris Carsonhave severely limited Penny's NFL production. He had one uneventful season in Chicago before spending another year in the now defunct United Football League. A valued member of Minnesota's "Purple People Eaters" defensive line, Marshall holds numerous NFL records, including the most seasons played by a defensive player (20, along with Junior Seau and Darrell Green), most consecutive games by a defensive player (282), most consecutive starts by a defensive player (270), and most career fumble recoveries (30). Like McCaffrey, Barkley's early career boom has been derailed by injury woes, but he also never reached the same level of all-purpose dominance. A backup in 2001, McAllister became the Saints' starting running back after the team traded Ricky Williams in 2002. His 53-yard touchdown catch during the previous year's Super Bowl helped theColtswin the franchise's first Super Bowl following their move from Baltimore to Indianapolis. Maurice Jones-Drew ranks each team's primary starting running back for the 2022 NFL season. Canidate never played in another NFL game. 2023 Audacy, Inc. All rights reserved. 2021 stats: 188 carries, 870 rushing yards, 4.6 yards per carry, 40 receptions on 50 targets, 228receiving yards, 8 total TDs. But to hear greats like Barry Sanders tell it, Dupree might have been the best running back to come out of Oklahoma. Tre's uncle is legendary Hall of Fame running back LaDainian Tomlinson. Join our linker program. Ironically, Dayne's best season was his last; he rushed for 773 yards and six touchdowns while averaging 4 yards per carry for the Texans. (AP Photo/PKS), One of the big backs who burned out a little bit too quickly. Plus, MJD updates his ranking of the top 15 running backs right now. He was a six-time Pro Bowl selection. In 2011, the 30-year-old running back earned his second Pro Bowl selection while helping the Broncos advance to the divisional round of the playoffs. Some think he's faded and lost too many steps and believe his best is buried behind him. 2023 NFL Draft: Who is the CAN'T-MISS prospect? Given Vrabels competitive nature and tenacity for winning, I doubt he will want Carthon to trade his best player to the Eagles. Simpson and Marcus Allen. A four-time Pro Bowler, Matthews spent 16 of his 19 NFL seasons with the Browns, helping Cleveland win five AFC Central division titles during the 1980s. His play helped the Dolphins make the playoffs each year from 1997-01. Logos were compiled by the amazing SportsLogos.net. Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans (1996-2003), Dallas Cowboys (2004). (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey), Pittsburgh Steelers fans will whine until Bettis gets into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. 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. FantPt. 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. The inconsistency tied to his efficiency puts him right in the middle. 2021 stats: 217 carries, 872 rushing yards, 4.0 yards per carry, 54 receptions on 64 targets, 348 receiving yards, 9 total TDs. A key member of Pittsburgh's "Steel Curtain" defense, Greenwood earned six Pro Bowl nods (and two first-team All-Pro honors) from 1973-79. Of course not. Look, all 15 finalists are absolutely deserving of the honor. Not hating on any of those guys. If you want to recognize him for being a guy who hung around longer than most big backs, fine. Nevertheless, what follows is a list of the 10 greatest franchise running backs of all time. After holding off Zack Moss for key touches, he will need to do the same again vs. rookie James Cook. 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. Minnesota Vikings (2007-2016), Arizona Cardinals (2017), New Orleans (2017), Washington Commanders (2018-19), Detroit Lions (2020), Tennessee Titans (2021), Seattle Seahawks (2021). But as a rookie, Michel showed his value by helping thePatriotswin their sixth Super Bowl title. McKinney's Bryan Jackson, rated the second-best running back in D-FW He has enjoyed a career resurgence with theBuccaneers, as Tampa Bay went 7-0 with Fournette in its starting lineup during the 2020 season. While he was never a full-time starter, Duckett helped the Falcons clinch two playoff berths over that span that included a run to the NFC title game in 2004. Philadelphia Eagles (2009-2014), Buffalo Bills (2015-18), Kansas City Chiefs (2019), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2020). All HOFm Positions: QBRBWRTEGTCDTDEILBOLBDBKP, Every Sports Reference Social Media Account, Site Last Updated: Sunday, April 30, 2:31PM. 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. Enter and space open menus and escape closes them . If he didn't detour into the USFL, it's not hard to imagine him in Canton. He averaged better than 4.5 yards per carry during his peak years. Through three seasons, the former San Diego State standout has rushed for just 823 yards on 161 carries for theSeahawks. section: | slug: nfls-top-20-players-not-in-the-hall-of-fame-torry-holt-zach-thomas-ken-anderson-headline-all-time-list | sport: football | route: article_single.us | Rams (2004-12); Falcons (2013-14); Patriots (2015). 6-keys: media/spln/nfl/reg/free/stories, at The seven-time Pro Bowler and four-time All-Pro has 120 career rushing TDs to his name, and the 36-year-old (turns 37 in March) is determined to keep climbing the stat sheet. Here is part of the last pair of teammates to make the cut. A seven-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro, Johnson is 11th all-time in receptions and receiving yards. Green attempted a comeback in 2008 but was never signed to a contract. 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. 2021 stats: 219carries, 937 rushing yards, 4.3 yards per carry, 18 receptions on 20 targets, 154 receiving yards, 10 total TDs. TheSteelers' all-time leader in receptions, yards and touchdowns, Ward is also eighth all-time in career postseason receiving yards (1,181). 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). I agree to receive the "With The First Pick Newsletter" and marketing communications, updates, special offers (including partner offers), and other information from CBS Sports and the Paramount family of companies. 36 overall. He was the last running back to win MVP, and there's a chance we may not see it happen again for a very long time with how pass-happy the league has become. Muncie tied the single-season record with 19 touchdowns in 1981. 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. Lets assess if Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry will be traded to a team like the Philadelphia Eagles at any point during the 2023 NFL Draft. He's been a semifinalist for three straight years but has yet to be named a finalist. BYU Football's 50 Greatest Players Of All-Time: Nos. 1-10 The trade was met with mixed reactions. The 10,000-yard plateau is a good one to cross for that gold jacket. 1 now, but there's a reason why Denver decided late to bring back Gordon as a savvy No. Jones shared a backfield for most of his career; he spent three seasons playing alongside Marion Barber and two years with DeMarco Murray. That's the big question, but the Rams have confidence that he can deliver effective lead rushing production with the right dash of receiving pop. Buffalo Bills (2007-2010), Seattle Seahawks (2010-15, 2019), Oakland Raiders (2017-18). A member of the NFL's All-1980s Team, Jacoby helped protect Super Bowl MVPs Doug Williams and Mark Rypien in Super Bowls XXII and XXVI. He also will be key in offsetting the passing game changes for Rodgers and the former Boston College runner has proved he can remain prolific in a favorable system. The SPORTS REFERENCE and STATHEAD trademarks are owned exclusively by Sports Reference LLC. 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 four-time Pro Bowler even finished third in the MVP vote for his 2000 campaign, when he rushed for 1,509 yards and 14 scores. 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. 2021 stats: 225 carries, 849 rushing yards, 3.8 yards per carry, 42 receptions on 51 targets, 301 receiving yards, 7 total TDs, Vinnie Iyer is an NFL writer at The Sporting News. Not one. Running backs not in the Hall of Fame 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.. Our reasoning for presenting offensive logos. And really, if Jackson was selected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame would anybody question it? Player Identification: Sweetness. 2021 stats: 203 carries, 918 rushing yards, 4.5 yards per carry, 28 receptions on 38 targets, 213 receiving yards, 10 total TDs. He then resurfaced in Arizona, where he was theCardinals' leading rusher before an injury prematurely ended his 2015 season. Also included is a handful of honorable mentions, as well as statistics from every 1,000-yard. 39 in league history among all pass-catchers. Singletary emerged as a reliable workhorse down the stretch to complement the high-volume passing game. In what would be his final NFL game, Jackson scored a touchdown in New England's 20-18 loss to Denver in the 2015 AFC Championship Game. Maurice Jones-Drew reveals his top five rushing duos in the NFL this season. A two-time Pro Bowler, McMichael had 92.5 career sacks for Chicago, second in franchise history. 's Top-5 Takeaways from Day 1 of March Madness, Stern: Panthers' trade up to No. Plus, how far did Josh Jacobs climb in MJD's top 15 RB rankings after a huge performance last week? 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. All Rights Reserved. . Johnson had just 70 carries during the 2016 and '17 seasons before announcing his retirement in 2018. 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. We have tools and resources that can help you use sports data. . (AP Photo/Al Golub), Do yourself a favor and Google this guy. While he would never come close to duplicating his success of 2002, Bennett still managed to carve out a 10-year career. Wayne wasPeyton Manning'sNo.