Who Is the Best Running Back in the NFL in 2021?
The answer to who is the best running back in the NFL in 2021 is not as clear as it once was. In fact, there are a number of talented running backs who could make a case for the title.
Introduction
There is no clear-cut answer to this question. It depends on a number of factors, including the type of offense a team runs and the personnel they have on their roster. In general, though, there are a few running backs who stand out as the best in the NFL in 2021.
One player who has been consistently excellent over the past few years is Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson. Johnson is a versatile back who can run between the tackles and catch passes out of the backfield, making him a dangerous weapon in any offense. He’s also a strong finisher, often breaking tackles and picking up extra yards after contact.
Another player who has been impressing lately is Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott. Elliott is a powerful runner with good vision and patience. He’s also a good receiver out of the backfield, which makes him a valuable asset in the passing game. Elliott had some trouble staying healthy in 2020, but if he can stay on the field, he’s one of the best running backs in the NFL.
Finally, there’s San Francisco 49ers running back Raheem Mostert. Mostert is an explosive runner with great speed and quickness. He’s also a good pass-catcher out of the backfield, making him a dangerous weapon in the passing game. Mostert had some injury issues in 2020, but if he can stay healthy, he has the potential to be one of the best running backs in the NFL.
Saquon Barkley
Saquon Barkley is an American football running back for the New York Giants of the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the Giants second overall in the 2018 NFL Draft. Barkley played college football at Penn State, where he was a two-time consensus All-American and won the Paul Hornung Award as a junior in 2017.
Ezekiel Elliott
Elliott is a three-time Pro Bowler and the 2016 NFL rushing champion. He’s also the only player in NFL history to average over 100 rushing yards per game in each of his first four seasons. In 2020, he was named First Team All-Pro for the second time after leading the league in rushing with 1,434 yards.
Alvin Kamara
Kamara was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft. He was named the 2017 Rookie of the Year and has been selected for two Pro Bowls. In 2020, he was named first-team All-Pro for the second time.
Kamara played college football at Tennessee, where he was a two-time All-SEC selection. He was picked by the Saints in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft. As a rookie, Kamara was named to the NFL All-Rookie Team and was named Offensive Rookie of the Year after gaining 728 yards from scrimmage and scoring 13 touchdowns. In his second season, Kamara helped lead the Saints to an NFC South divisional championship and was selected for his first Pro Bowl. In 2019, he rushed 242 times for 1,154 yards and five touchdowns and caught 81 passes for 583 yards and four touchdowns, earning second-team All-Pro honors. Kamara had another great season in 2020, finishing with 932 rushing yards and 16 rushing touchdowns while adding 83 receptions for 756 receiving yards and five receiving touchdowns; he was once again named first-team All-Pro.
Derrick Henry
Derrick Henry is an American football running back for the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Alabama Crimson Tide, and was drafted by the Titans in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft.
In his rookie season, he became the first player in NFL history with at least 500 rushing yards in each of his first three starts. In 2017, he set a franchise rookie rushing record for the Titans. The following year, he earned his first Pro Bowl selection after leading the league in rushing yards.
Henry had another breakout season in 2019, becoming only the eighth player in NFL history to run for at least 2,000 yards in a season. He was named AP Offensive Player of the Year and was voted as a first-team All-Pro. He followed that up with another strong campaign in 2020, leading the league in rushing yards for a second consecutive year en route to being named AP All-Pro First Team once again
Conclusion
So, who is the best running back in the NFL in 2021? Several factors go into this decision, but our vote ultimately goes to Saquon Barkley of the New York Giants. Barkley is an incredible talent with a rare combination of size, speed, and strength. He’s also a great receiver out of the backfield, and is a dangerous threat to score anytime he touches the ball. Injuries have been a concern for Barkley in his young career, but if he can stay healthy, there’s no doubt that he is one of the best running backs in the NFL today.
