Who Is the Best Running Back in the NFL Today?
Contents
The answer to this question may be a matter of opinion, but there are some running backs in the NFL today that are definitely standouts. If you’re looking for the best of the best, then you’ll want to check out these three players.
Introduction
In the National Football League (NFL), the running back (RB) is the one who lines up in the backfield, and is the primary ball carrier. He is among the most versatile and important players on offense, because he can be used as a runner, a receiver, or even as a blocker.
In recent years, there has been a lot of debate over who is the best running back in the NFL. Some people argue that it is Le’Veon Bell of the Pittsburgh Steelers, while others believe that it is Ezekiel Elliott of the Dallas Cowboys. In this article, we will take a look at both of these players and try to determine who is the best running back in the NFL today.
A Look at the Top Five Running Backs in the NFL Today
In any given year, there are a handful of running backs who stand out above the rest. They’re the ones who always seem to be at the top of the rushing charts, and they’re the ones who get the most attention from fans and pundits alike. But who are the best running backs in the NFL today?
Saquon Barkley
Saquon Barkley is a running back for the New York Giants. He was drafted in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft. He played college football at Penn State.
In his rookie season, Barkley set several NFL and franchise records, including most all-purpose yards by a rookie in a season and most rushing yards by a rookie in a season. For his efforts, he was named the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.
In 2019, Barkley was named to the Pro Bowl and was named First Team All-Pro.
Ezekiel Elliott
Ezekiel Elliott of the Dallas Cowboys is widely considered to be one of the best running backs in the NFL today. Elliott was drafted out of Ohio State University with the fourth overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. In his three seasons with the Cowboys, Elliott has rushed for 4,048 yards and 28 touchdowns. He has also caught 92 passes for 687 yards and three touchdowns.
Elliott is a two-time Pro Bowl selection and was named First Team All-Pro in 2016. He led the NFL in rushing yards in 2016 with 1,631 yards. In 2017, he was suspended for six games due to accusations of domestic violence.
Alvin Kamara
Alvin Kamara, a native of Atlanta, Georgia, played collegiate football for the University of Tennessee Volunteers. As a junior in 2016, he was named a consensus first-team All-American and was a finalist for the Doak Walker Award, given to the nation’s top running back. He was also named SEC Offensive Player of the Year. After being selected in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints, Kamara had an immediate impact on the team’s offense, earning Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. In 2018, he was named first-team All-Pro and was selected to his second Pro Bowl.
Christian McCaffrey
As of right now, the Carolina Panthers’ Christian McCaffrey is the best running back in the NFL. He’s a dual-threat back who can run between the tackles and catch passes out of the backfield. He had 1,387 rushing yards and 867 receiving yards in 2019. He also had 19 total touchdowns (15 rushing, 4 receiving).
Derrick Henry
At 6’3” and 247 pounds, Derrick Henry is a freight train of a running back. He is built like a linebacker but has the speed and agility of a much smaller player. He is the kind of running back that defenders fear because he is capable of breaking tackles and taking it the distance on any given play.
Henry began his college career at Alabama as a backup to another talented running back, T.J. Yeldon. When Yeldon left for the NFL, Henry became the starter and never looked back. He rushed for 2,219 yards and 28 touchdowns in his junior season, winning the Heisman Trophy as well as the Doak Walker Award, which is given to the nation’s top running back.
Henry was drafted in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft by the Tennessee Titans. He had a solid rookie season, rushing for 490 yards and 5 touchdowns on 110 carries. In 2018, Henry took his game to another level, rushing for 1,059 yards and 12 touchdowns on 214 carries. He followed that up with an even better 2019 season, rushing for 1,540 yards and 16 touchdowns on 303 carries.
Henry is one of the most physically imposing running backs in the NFL today and he is just entering his prime. He has already established himself as one of the best runners in Titans history and he shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the best running back in the NFL today is ___________.