(AP Photo/David Stluka), Dillon toiled for years with the Cincinnati Bengals, but finally got his chance to shine with the New England Patriots at the end of his career where he finally got a ring. Superstar quarterbacks undoubtedly headline the AFC Championship Game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Kansas City Chiefs, but Maurice Jones-Drew explains why the running backs will actually decide who wins. To say Vrabel blew a gasket when Carthons predecessor Jon Robinson traded wide receiver A.J. In 2001, Faulk was Top 5 in both rushing (12) and receiving touchdowns (9). People talk about Bo Jackson on "Tecmo Super Bowl", but Okoye is no slouch in that game, either. ARIZONA CARDINALS: QB Jim Hart (1966-1983). Knee problems may ultimately keep Gurley from going down as an all-time great. He gained 1,926 total yards during his rookie season, and he was an All-Pro in 2015 after rushing for over 1,400 yards. (National Football League), Craig was a huge part of the San Francisco 49ers' success during the 1980s. Do you have a blog? As far as the Titans are concerned, lets just hope Carthon and head coach Mike Vrabel are on the same page and have owner Amy Adams Strunks blessing to do whatever is in the best interest of the Titans franchise. Among those players are former offensive lineman Bob Kuechenberg, receivers Mark Duper andMark Claytonand running back Ricky Williams. Pitta piled up 2,901 receiving yards on 221 receptions in his four years with the Cougars. And really, if Jackson was selected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame would anybody question it? 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. 2021 stats (at Iowa State):253 carries, 1,472 rushing yards, 5.8 yards per carry, 36 receptions, 302 receiving yards, 23 total TDs. 's Top-5 Takeaways from Day 1 of March Madness, Stern: Panthers' trade up to No. Only two of those 11 Floyd Little and Terrell Davis had fewer than 12,000 career rushing yards. Who has the best hands? The first of two Arkansas running backs taken in the first round of the 2008 draft (Felix Jones being the other), McFadden was the first former Razorback to register two 1,000-yard seasons in the NFL. But an injury limited him to eight games in 2012, and a torn Achilles tendon sustained during the ensuing offseason prematurely ended his career. 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. His 143 total yards helped the Colts defeat the Bears in Super Bowl XLI. Multiple concussions resulted in Best appearing in just 22 NFL games. The prototype running back for today's NFL, Gordon earned two Pro Bowl nods during his first four seasons in the NFL. Perhaps he was overlooked, since he played games in Jacksonville. A player who was truly ahead of his time, the 6-foot-3, 215-pound Taylor was one of the first receivers to fully use his physicality to his advantage. Taylor's transition to the NFL was seamless after the two leagues merged in 1970. Hayes is a member of the NFL's All-1980s Team. Of the 31 runners to have done it, 16 are in the Hall and two more are locks (Adrian Peterson and Frank Gore). 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. 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. During that span, Lynch made four Pro Bowls, one All-Pro, and led the NFL in rushing touchdowns in consecutive seasons. 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. Of the 31 runners to have done it, 16 are in the Hall and two more are locks (Adrian Peterson and Frank Gore). Use without license or authorization is expressly prohibited. He hit the 1,000-yard mark again for theLionsin 2013. That doesn't get you in the Hall of Fame. Can the Eagles improve their No. He has enjoyed a career resurgence with theBuccaneers, as Tampa Bay went 7-0 with Fournette in its starting lineup during the 2020 season. All Rights Reserved. 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. Injuries and off-field issues led to a significant drop in production after the 2006 season. A key member of the Bengals' 1981 AFC championship team, Riley returned a league-high three interceptions for touchdowns during his final two seasons. Lynch is 29th all time on the regular-season career rushing list and eighth on the playoff career rushing list. In his second season, Taylor led the AFL in average yards per catch while helping lead the Chiefs to the first-ever Super Bowl. Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans (1996-2003), Dallas Cowboys (2004). While he has yet to receive the call to Canton,Matthews was inducted into the Browns' Ring of Honorin 2019. (AP Photo/David Drapkin), The aforementioned Dunn lost a lot of touchdown runs to Alstott. 2021 stats: 180 carries, 812 rushing yards, 4.5 yards per carry, 69 receptions on 84 targets, 454 receiving yards, 10 total TDs. Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry could be traded to the Philadelphia Eagles by the first night of the 2023 NFL Draft. Montgomery makes this list based on his cumulative production vs. his limited efficiency as a runner and pass-catcher. 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.. 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. 2023 Audacy, Inc. All rights reserved. Johnson had just 70 carries during the 2016 and '17 seasons before announcing his retirement in 2018. Jackson is 18th on the NFL's career rushing list, just ahead of Hall of Fame running backs John Riggins and O.J. He retired as the Minnesota Vikings' all-time leading rusher. 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. The Browns will lean on Chubb a lot again until Deshaun Watson can boost them at QB. Jones enjoyed a solid yet unspectacular six-year NFL career. You saw the ESPN doc on him, so you can't deny this. Craving even more NFL coverage focusing on previews, recaps, news and analysis? Unlike most induction classes, there was not a single member of this year's class that got in on the first ballot. He still can produce well, but the Commanders seem to be committed to more of a situational committee approach to keep him fresh vs. putting more on him as a workhorse. Here is part of the last pair of teammates to make the cut. Curt Warner, Seattle Seahawks/Los Angeles. 11-25 Nos. Warner was selected to three Pro Bowls during the 1980s, and rushed for 1,449 yards with 13 touchdowns as a rookie. Jackson is 18th on the NFL's career rushing list, just ahead of Hall of Fame running backs John Riggins and O.J. The Falcons won just 10 games during Jackson's two seasons in Atlanta, however, thus leading to Jackson signing with the Patriots with the hope of winning a championship. Texas running back Bijan Robinson is a popular pick, but Hall of Fame RB LaDainian Tomlinson has his eyes on a defensive player. 2021 stats: 119 carries, 749 rushing yards, 6.3 yards per carry, 6 receptions on 8 targets, 49 receiving yards, 6 total TDs. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli), Andrews went to four consecutive Pro Bowls for the Atlanta Falcons from 1980-83. Shady will be remembered as one of the toughest players to tackle in the open field and one of the best at the position in his prime. NFL and the NFL shield design are registered trademarks of the National Football League.The team names, logos and uniform designs are registered trademarks of the teams indicated. Ideal size? Maurice Jones-Drew identifies five running backs who can save their teams' seasons down the stretch. But did you realize he averaged less than four yards per carry? After a somewhat slow start, Ingram has put together an impressive pro career. Up and Down arrows will open main level menus and toggle through sub tier links. 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. 1 receiver when the Colts made it back to the Super Bowl in 2009. Titans (2008-13); Jets (2014); Cardinals (2015-17). A three-time Pro Bowler, Elliott averaged 1,668 all-purpose yards and 11 touchdowns per season during his first five years in Dallas. Falcons (2002-05); Washington (2006); Lions (2007); Seahawks (2008). This is where the line in most all-time best running back conversations is drawn. Jones was only the third Lions rookie for rush for over 1,000 yards after gaining 1,133 yards in 2011. He is probably the top candidate to replace Ryan Day at his alma mater should Ohio State turn on Urban Meyers latest and greatest disciple. No. A two-time Pro Bowler, McAllister is the only running back in Saints history to post three consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons. MORE Top 50 Players in BYU Football History Nos. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. I expect for the Green Bay Packers to figure out a fair-enough trade package to get Aaron Rodgers out of their building. . The production and potential says to meet those outcomes somewhere in the middle, with lean toward the positive. The Pro Football Reference Hall of Fame Monitor (HOFm) is a metric designed to estimate a player's chances of making the Pro Football Hall of Fame using AV, Pro Bowls, All-Pros, championships, and various stat milestones. (AP Photo/Duncan Livingston), Watters was the perfect fit for the San Francisco 49ers offense; a guy who had the ability to run the ball and catch it out of the backfield. 2023 NFL Enterprises LLC. Still, I think they are more likely to draft Texas Bijan Robinson if the Atlanta Falcons pass on him. That said, he has some freakish physical qualities for his big frame. The players listed below are the top 250 HOFm-rated players who played RB starting in 1955 or later for at least 50 career games. He is a good finisher in the red zone and can take any carry the distance. Though Gore's been seen in the boxing ring of late, he hasn't officially closed the door on an NFL return. Addai posted consecutive 1,000-yard seasons during his first two years with the Colts. No. 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. He'll have to wait his turn, but should get a gold jacket one day. As Warren Sharp pointed out, Swift won't exactly have . 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). Was the running back the best player at his position for a multi-year span? the future hall-of-fame bell-cow back could be dealt to the . He tallied an insane 24 total touchdowns in 2002, and then topped that with 27, a year later. 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. Vikings (2001-05); Chiefs (2006-07); Buccaneers (2007-08); Chargers (2008-09); Raiders (2010). Player Identification: Sweetness. 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. The NFL might be considered a passing league now, but the best running backs still have incredible value to their teams. He also could handle a bigger role in the passing game if needed, which might be the case if the team moves Kareem Hunt. (Seriously, Google it.) Tre'Vius Hodges-Tomlinson is a former First-Team All-American defensive back for the TCU Horned Frogs and is one of the top defensive prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft. Copyright 2023 Sporting News Holdings Limited. Saints (2011-18); Ravens (2019-20); Texans (2021). 1 spot? McMichael and Dan Hampton (a 2002 Hall of Fame inductee) formed one of the greatest defensive duos in NFL history, a unit that totaled 41.5 sacks from 1984-88. Minnesota Vikings (2007-2016), Arizona Cardinals (2017), New Orleans (2017), Washington Commanders (2018-19), Detroit Lions (2020), Tennessee Titans (2021), Seattle Seahawks (2021). Andrews rushed for a career-high 1,567 yards in 1983 before his injury. He also led the NFL in touchdown receptions on two separate occasions. Maurice Jones-Drew has one thought about the Cowboys' usage of Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard in Zeke's return: Keep it even-steven! With some help from Michael Thomas and others to take pressure off him in the passing game again, he should see some familiar favorable running lanes. Our reasoning for presenting offensive logos. 2021 stats: 240 carries, 898 rushing yards, 3.7 yards per carry, 47 receptions on 67 targets, 439 receiving yards, 9 total TDs, NFL POWER RANKINGS: Bills look Super Bowl-serious at top; 49ers, Broncos, Eagles on the rise. He was a freak of nature coming out of Oklahoma and didn't disappoint at the pro level. You could easily match Holmes' three years of dominance (2001-03) to touchdowns (1996-98), and it'd sure be a close call as to which was superior. Conner landed with the right team to return to reliable production after some fading seasons in Pittsburgh. Two years later, Brown set career highs with six rushing touchdowns and 751 all-purpose yards. Teams:Patriots(1980);Bears(1981-93);Packers(1994). Some think he's faded and lost too many steps and believe his best is buried behind him. After nine seasons in St. Louis, Jackson signed with the Falcons, who were coming off of a 13-3 season and appearance in the NFC title game. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. 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. McCaffrey, now 26, had to be faded on this list given he's played only 10 games over the past two seasons following his transcendent 2019 production. Beyond being dynamos in the rushing attack, the most talented players at the position are also key contributors as receivers and pass blockers. As a rookie, Bush caught 88 passes to help lead the Saints to their first NFC Championship Game. Derrick Henry, Tennessee Titans. I am on the fence over the Arizona Cardinals possibly moving on from DeAndre Hopkins. Taylor was an extraordinary teammate who exemplified everything it meant to be a professional. While he failed to live up to pre-draft expectations, the 1999 Heisman Trophy winner did have several productive seasons that included helping the Giants reach the Super Bowl during his rookie season. Plus, an updated ranking of his top 15 running backs ahead of Week 17. 5-ranked rushing attack? All-time Super Bowl QB rankings: Where do Matthew Stafford and Joe Burrow slot in? Mixon had teased of a big season early in his career. Marshall Faulk (1994-2005) . Many deserving players have been passed over because they played for a small market team; other players were overshadowed by more celebrated teammates. For whatever the reason, there are numerous deserving players who are still hoping to earn a spot in football immortality. 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. His success that season helped the Seahawks advance to their first Super Bowl. 2021 stats: 219carries, 937 rushing yards, 4.3 yards per carry, 18 receptions on 20 targets, 154 receiving yards, 10 total TDs. Holmes was absolutely unstoppable for those three seasons in the Kansas City Chiefs' high-powered attack. He was an impossible matchup for opponents at the height of the San Francisco 49ers' dynasty in the 1980s. 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. Tasker's brilliance was on display during the opening minutes of Super Bowl XXVII. In 1984, Matthews led the league with 126 tackles while also posting 12 sacks and three forced fumbles. Tomlinson is tied for 80th with 626 catches and Allen is 100th with 587. However, he only spent three of those years with the . Ask Your Smart Speaker to Play C B S Sports Radio. 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 | 5: Ricky Watters -- In his first five years in the NFL, he garnered Pro Bowl nods every season. Plus, see which team now has TWO players in MJD's top 15 RB rankings. Taylor finished with 11,695 yards, good for 17th all-time. D.A. Swift, like Chubb and others, keeps the pipeline strong for Georgia running backs in the NFL. Plus, MJD updates his ranking of the top 15 running backs right now. He is currently third on the Dolphins' career rushing list, behind Williams and Csonka. The Steelers didn't waste time putting a lot on Harris as a first-round rookie workhorse and he showed off his versatility and durability right away. 2021 stats:258 carries, 1,037 rushing yards, 4.0 yards per carry, 42 receptions on 52 targets, 294 receiving yards, 10 total TDs. Between 2001-03, Holmes was iconic, a Pro Bowler and All-Pro for three straight seasons. While Chicago just wasn't a good fit, Benson still helped lead theBearsto the Super Bowl in 2006. 1 pick has boom-bust potential. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton), Unfairly remembered for "The Fumble," which hurt the Cleveland Browns' chances for a Super Bowl bid. A member of the NFL's All-2010s Team, Willis twice led the NFL in tackles. Lynch's greatest stretch was with the Seattle Seahawks. After sharing a backfield for two seasons, the former Ohio State Buckeye took advantage of his elevated role in 2011. You have to wonder if his prickly personality is what is keeping him out of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The 6-fo-6 Greenwood also had a penchant for batting down passes; he did that on three occasions during the Steelers' Super Bowl IX win over the Vikings. Stewart put up impressive career numbers despite sharing a backfield for the majority of his career. (AP Photo/Beth Keiser). George was the league's best workhorse on the rugged Tennessee Titans teams of the late 1990s. Saints (2006-10); Dolphins (2011-12); Lions (2013-14); 49ers (2015); Bills (2016). 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. Frank Gore is zeroed in on boxing and Deron Williams fight, but still harbors Super Bowl dream, NFL's unsung heroes in 2021 season: One player from each NFC team. Carthon is a total mystery to me, so this gives me some hope that a deal like this could potentially happen. 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. Maurice Jones-Drew ranks each team's primary starting running back for the 2022 NFL season. But as a rookie, Michel showed his value by helping thePatriotswin their sixth Super Bowl title. All HOFm Positions: QB RB WR TE G T C DT DE ILB OLB DB K P RB HOFm Leaders Bold indicates HOF player See full explanation here Share & Export Hart was a four-time Pro Bowler whose career really took off once Don Coryell became head coach in 1973. 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. A Pro Bowler each season from 1983-86, Jacoby's blocking helped John Riggins rush for a then Super Bowl record in Washington's win over Miami in Super Bowl XVII. While somewhat underwhelming, Green still managed to rack up 1,000 all-purpose yards while helping theBrownsmake the playoffs during this rookie season. Now with James Robinson recovering from a torn Achilles', Etienne is flashing all his explosive college skills again to vie for key work to support long-time teammate Trevor Lawrence. 6:28 pm ET, Matthews was inducted into the Browns' Ring of Honor, Ranking teams likely to land Williams in 2024 NFL Draft, Prisco's 2023 NFL Draft grades for all 32 teams, Exploring Titans' options at wide receiver, Cowboys' 'ship has not sailed' on bringing back Zeke, Best post-draft fits for top-remaining NFL free agents, The 20 greatest NFL players not in the Hall of Fame, Prisco's draft grades for all 32 teams: Eagles ace it, Best, worst, most interesting pick for all, Winners, losers from the draft: Crafty Colts, Undrafted free agent tracker: Team-by-team list of signings, 10 veteran moves that should happen post-2023 draft, Report: Bucs star Barrett's daughter, 2, drowns in pool, NFL schedule release target date, plus 5 things we know, Steelers' draft haul one the team hadn't seen in 38 years.