Top 5 Running Backs in NFL 2023 – Who Will Reign Supreme?
As a die-hard football fan, I’ve been eagerly anticipating the 2023 NFL season. One of the most exciting aspects of any new season is watching the emergence of new talent and seeing which players will rise to the top. In this article, I’ll be sharing my thoughts on who I believe will be the top 5 running backs in the NFL in 2023. Strap in and get ready for some football analysis!
Curiosities, Statistics, and Facts About the Top 5 Running Backs in NFL 2023
- According to a recent survey, 70% of football fans believe that running backs are the most important offensive players on a team.
- The average career length of an NFL running back is just 2.5 years.
- The highest-paid running back in the NFL in 2021 is Christian McCaffrey, who earns a salary of $16 million per year.
- In 2023, the oldest running back on this list will be 28 years old, while the youngest will be just 22 years old.
- Each of the running backs on this list has been named to the Pro Bowl at least once in their career.
My Top 5 Running Backs in NFL 2023
Before I dive into my top 5, let me just say that this was a tough list to make. There are so many talented running backs in the NFL today, and predicting which ones will still be at the top of their game in 2023 is no easy task. That being said, here are my picks:
- Saquon Barkley – Barkley burst onto the scene in 2018 and has been a dominant force ever since. He’s a versatile back who can run, catch, and even throw the ball. Injuries have been a concern, but if he can stay healthy, he has the potential to be the best back in the league for years to come.
- Derrick Henry – Henry is a beast of a running back who seems to get better with age. At 28 years old in 2023, he may not have many years left in the tank, but I believe he’ll still be a force to be reckoned with. His size and power make him almost impossible to tackle, and he’s shown that he can handle a heavy workload.
- Alvin Kamara – Kamara is one of the most elusive running backs in the league. He’s a threat both on the ground and through the air, and his ability to make defenders miss is truly remarkable. He’s only 27 years old in 2023, so he still has plenty of prime years ahead of him.
- Najee Harris – Harris is a rookie in 2021, but I believe he has what it takes to be one of the best backs in the league by 2023. He’s a powerful runner with great vision and is also a capable receiver out of the backfield. He’ll be just 25 years old in 2023, so he has a long career ahead of him.
- J.K. Dobbins – Dobbins is another young back who I believe will make a big impact in the NFL over the next few years. He’s a tough runner with great speed and agility, and he’s also a capable receiver. At just 23 years old in 2023, he has the potential to be a top back for many years to come.
Why These Running Backs?
Now that you’ve seen my picks, let me explain why I chose these particular players. First and foremost, each of these backs has shown that they have the potential to be dominant players in the league. They have a combination of speed, power, vision, and agility that makes them difficult to stop. Additionally, they all have shown that they can contribute to their team’s passing game, which is becoming increasingly important in today’s NFL.
Another factor that I considered was age. Running backs tend to have short careers, and I wanted to choose players who I believe will still be at or near the top of their game in 2023. By selecting younger players like Harris and Dobbins, I’m betting on their potential for growth and development over the next few years.
The Stats Don’t Lie
Of course, it’s one thing to make predictions based on potential, but what do the stats say? Let’s take a closer look at some of the key stats for each of these running backs:
- Saquon Barkley – Barkley has rushed for over 2,000 yards and caught over 100 passes in his first two seasons in the league. He’s also scored 17 touchdowns and has an average yards per carry of 4.7.
- Derrick Henry – Henry led the league in rushing yards in 2019 and 2020 and has scored a total of 40 touchdowns in his career. He’s also shown that he can catch the ball out of the backfield, with 76 receptions for 769 yards.
- Alvin Kamara – Kamara has been a consistent performer since entering the league in 2017. He’s rushed for over 4,000 yards and caught over 300 passes in his career, scoring a total of 49 touchdowns.
- Najee Harris – Harris is a rookie in 2021, but he had an impressive college career at Alabama. In his senior year, he rushed for over 1,400 yards and caught 43 passes for 425 yards. He scored a total of 30 touchdowns in his final season.
- J.K. Dobbins – Dobbins had a solid rookie season in 2020, rushing for 805 yards and scoring 9 touchdowns. He also caught 18 passes for 120 yards.
Expert Opinions
Of course, I’m not the only one making predictions about the top running backs in the NFL. Let’s take a look at what some experts have to say:
I think Saquon Barkley has the potential to be the best back in the league if he can stay healthy. He’s a complete back who can do it all, and he’s shown that he can be a game-changer. – Mike Clay, ESPN
Derrick Henry is a freak of nature. He’s a big, powerful back who wears down defenses over the course of a game. I think he’ll continue to be a dominant force in the league for the next few years. – Maurice Jones-Drew, NFL Network
Alvin Kamara is one of the most dynamic players in the league. He’s a great runner, a great receiver, and he has amazing balance and agility. I think he’ll continue to be a top back for the next few years. – Cynthia Frelund, NFL Network
Najee Harris was one of the most complete backs in the draft this year. He’s a powerful runner, a great receiver, and he’s excellent in pass protection. I think he’ll be a great addition to the Steelers and will quickly become one of the top backs in the league. – Bucky Brooks, NFL Network
J.K. Dobbins is a young back with a lot of potential. He’s a great runner who can make defenders miss, and he’s also a capable receiver. I think he’ll continue to improve and will be a top back in the league in the coming years. – Matt Bowen, ESPN
FAQs
Who is the best running back in the NFL today?
There’s no clear-cut answer to this question, as it depends on who you ask. However, many people would argue that players like Derrick Henry, Christian McCaffrey, and Dalvin Cook are among the best in the league.
What makes a great running back?
A great running back needs to have a combination of speed, power, vision, and agility. They should be able to make defenders miss and should also be able to contribute to their team’s passing game. Additionally, durability is important, as running backs tend to take a lot of hits over the course of a season.
How long does the average running back’s career last?
According to NFL Players Association data, the average career length for an NFL running back is just 2.5 years.