Ranking the top 30 NFL running backs for 2022
Let's rank the top 30 running backs in the NFL heading into the 2022 season
The running back position is becoming increasingly less important in the NFL. Most teams use two or three-back rotations instead of relying on one superstar to carry the load. However, not every team follows the trend, and some running backs have evolved to still perform at an All-Pro level in the modern NFL. Today we’ll examine the 30 best players at the position heading into the 2022 season.
You’ll also see a 2021 rank appears below each running back. That number represents where the listed player appeared among his fellow running backs on my top 200 NFL players list last summer. I hope to write a new edition of the top 200 list in August with the help of these rankings.
I put together this list using a combination of past production, injury history, situational analysis (such as offensive line play), and physical potential. This is only my opinion, and I expect many people will disagree with the rankings. Don’t take anything written here personally.
These rankings have nothing to do with fantasy football.
Suspensions don’t impact these rankings since this isn’t a projection for total statistical output in 2022. However, injuries that could impact a player’s performance this year from both a statistical and technical standpoint do impact these rankings.
World Class Running Backs
1. Jonathan Taylor, RB Indianapolis Colts
2021 Rank: 7
Christian McCaffrey was the best running back in 2019, Derrick Henry was the best in 2020, and Jonathan Taylor was the best in 2021. The Wisconsin product led the NFL in carries (332), rushing yards (1,811), rushing touchdowns (18), and yards from scrimmage (2,171). He finished second in the Offensive Player of the Year race.
Taylor became a dominant force down the stretch of his rookie season and carried that momentum into 2021. I’m a little concerned about the number of hits he’s taken over the past five years considering his high usage rate at Wisconsin, but the 23-year-old seems to be enduring the battering well.
Taylor operates behind a usually stout Colts offensive line. Similar to the situation in Tennessee, the running game is Indianapolis’ bread and butter. Speaking of Tennessee, let’s move on to the next selection.
2. Derrick Henry, RB Tennessee Titans
2021 Rank: 1
I understand Henry supporters who argue for the former 2,000-yard rusher maintaining his title, but we’ve seen running backs become more injury-prone after multiple seasons of heavy usage. Henry, who broke a bone in his foot last season, amassed 681 carries between 2019 and 2020, and he carried the ball 219 times in just eight appearances in 2021.
With 1,115 carries in the past four years, Henry could face an uphill battle as he attempts to regain his prime 2020 form. However, the 6'3", 247 lb. Titan is unique in the NFL landscape. If anyone can bounce back and defy the running back injury bug, it’s Henry.
Henry appeared in eight games last year, rushing for 937 yards and ten touchdowns on 219 carries. He returned for the playoffs but averaged just 3.1 yards per attempt against the Bengals.
3. Nick Chubb, RB Cleveland Browns
2021 Rank: 5
In terms of explosive plays, Chubb has been in the same class as Dalvin Cook and Taylor over the past two years. He, Henry, and Taylor are the three best pure runners in the NFL today. Unfortunately, two things work against Chubb climbing any higher than third on this list. He’s consistently missed time over the past two years and offers almost nothing as a pass catcher by modern standards.
Chubb produced 1,259 rushing yards (5.5 yards per attempt) in 2021. He’s never averaged under five yards per carry in his career, although Cleveland’s stacked offensive line plays a role in his production. Chubb has never produced more than 1,800 yards from scrimmage because of his lackluster receiving totals and injury streak.
4. Dalvin Cook, RB Minnesota Vikings
2021 Rank: 3
It took Cook a few years to shake the injury bug and become acclimated to the NFL, but he’s performed at the level of a top-five back over the past three years. During that time, he’s never averaged under 81 yards per game or 4.5 yards per carry. Cook’s 2020 season was his best to date. That year, he totaled 1,918 yards from scrimmage and 17 total touchdowns.
Cook is a dynamic and explosive running back who ranks among elite company over the past few seasons. Unfortunately, he also consistently battles injuries. The Florida State product hasn’t appeared in more than 14 games in a season during his career. Cook’s 2021 season was his least productive over his three-year run.
5. Christian McCaffrey, RB Carolina Panthers
2021 Rank: 2
You all know the drill. McCaffrey is one of three running backs to top the 1,000-yard rushing and receiving milestones in the same season. The Stanford product bulked up during his rookie season to better handle carries between the tackles, and his dedication paid off. McCaffrey produced 1,965 yards from scrimmage in 2018 and led the NFL with 2,392 yards from scrimmage and 19 total touchdowns in 2019.
If McCaffrey consistently produced at that level over the past two seasons, he would easily be the top player on this list. Unfortunately, the injury bug bit the former All-Pro several times in recent years. He’s only played in ten games since the start of 2020, tallying 667 rushing yards and 492 receiving yards.
McCaffrey proved he still has elite playmaking skills during his limited appearances in 2021, but he’ll nosedive down this list if he fails to turn in a complete performance this year.
Franchise-Caliber Running Backs
6. Alvin Kamara, RB New Orleans Saints
2021 Rank: 4
Kamara could face a six-game suspension from the NFL this year in response to allegations that he physically beat a man before this past Pro Bowl. However, suspensions don’t come into play with these rankings. I dropped him outside the top five running backs because he’s coming off the least efficient year of his career. We’ve yet to see Kamara perform at a truly elite level across a season without Drew Brees.
Injuries to quarterbacks and the offensive line hurt Kamara’s production in 2021. He also missed four games in the middle of the season with an MCL sprain. I would expect Kamara to bounce back once he returns from his suspension.
7. Austin Ekeler, RB Los Angeles Chargers
2021 Rank: 17
Ekeler isn’t as pure of a runner as some other players on this list. However, he’s perfectly suited for the modern climate where running backs play large roles as pass catchers. Ekeler produced 1,550 yards from scrimmage in 2019 behind 993 receiving yards, but his most impressive performance came in 2021. The former undrafted free agent totaled 1,558 yards from scrimmage (911 rushing yards) and led the NFL with 20 total touchdowns.
Ekeler had two borderline elite seasons in the past three years. He’s an unconventional player, but it’s impossible to ignore the impact he has in Los Angeles as the team’s third-leading receiver.
8. Joe Mixon, RB Cincinnati Bengals
2021 Rank: 15
Aside from an injury-shortened 2020 season, Mixon has been one of the league’s best running backs over the past five years. He produced more than 1,400 yards from scrimmage, including over 1,100 rushing yards, in 2018, 2019, and 2021. Mixon set a career-high this past year with 16 total touchdowns. The Oklahoma product should hit those marks again in 2022 as he enters his first season with an above-average offensive line.
Cincinnati’s improved offensive line could help Mixon reach new career highs in 2022. He’s always suffered from low yards per carry measurements, but that reflected Cincinnati’s line more than his ability as a runner.
9. Najee Harris, RB Pittsburgh Steelers
2021 Rank: 18
The Steelers set Harris up for long-term failure with the moves they’ve made over the past two years. Pittsburgh has at best one of the ten worst offensive lines in the NFL, which means Harris gets hit behind the line of scrimmage on an absurd percentage of his carries. This playing style isn’t sustainable, especially if the Steelers intend to let Harris lead the league in touches like he did as a rookie with 381.
Harris produced 1,200 rushing yards on 307 carries in 2021 (3.9 yards per carry). He added 74 receptions and 467 yards to complete an impressive rookie campaign. Unfortunately, Harris isn’t in a situation where he can reach his full potential. Even at his best, Harris is a less dynamic rusher than the other players in the top ten.
10. Kareem Hunt, RB Cleveland Browns
2021 Rank: 12
Hunt battled several injuries last year, including ankle and calf sprains, which limited him to eight appearances. The former Pro Bowler ran for 386 yards while averaging 4.9 yards per attempt. His 560 yards from scrimmage were the fewest since his suspension-shortened 2019 season.
Hunt averaged 1,376 yards from scrimmage in the three years he’s appeared in at least 11 games, including 1,145 yards in 2020. Hunt is both a powerful runner and an excellent option as a receiver. His numbers don’t always reflect those of a top-ten running back because he plays second fiddle to Nick Chubb, but the talent he flashed in 2017 hasn’t gone anywhere.
Potential Over Production
11. Aaron Jones, RB Green Bay Packers
2021 Rank: 8
Jones was easily among the league’s ten most productive running backs during the 2019 and 2020 seasons. However, a significant decrease in carries this past year hampered his production. Jones finished the year with ten touchdowns and 1,190 yards from scrimmage, including 799 rushing yards.
Third-year Boston College product AJ Dillon led the Packers in rushing yards last year, not Jones. I have no idea how the two will split touches this year, but Jones is entering the second year of a massive extension. He’ll still see plenty of action, especially with the team’s wide receiver room facing depth issues.
12. Javonte Williams, RB Denver Broncos
2021 Rank: NR
Williams and veteran Melvin Gordon split touches last year, but we saw enough of the North Carolina product to feel comfortable placing him among the game’s top 15 running backs. A low to the ground, powerful runner, Williams amassed 1,219 yards from scrimmage during his debut campaign, including 903 rushing yards.
There were concerns about Williams’ speed when he entered the NFL. The 22-year-old won’t make many long house calls during his career, but his abilities to rumble through contact and convert power to speed still lead to plenty of ten-yard gains.
Williams will elevate into the league’s top ten running backs when Gordon surrenders his touches and becomes a free agent in 2023.
13. J.K. Dobbins, RB Baltimore Ravens
2021 Rank: 14
Dobbins tore his ACL last August. Fortunately, the injury occurred early enough in the year that Dobbins shouldn’t face any restrictions when he returns to action. The Ohio State product was excellent during his limited playing time as a rookie, amassing 805 rushing yards and nine touchdowns on just 134 carries (6.0 yards per attempt).
The Ravens plan to rebound in 2022 after injuries to Dobbins, Rashod Bateman, Gus Edwards, Lamar Jackson, and Ronnie Stanley crippled their offense last season. Everyone returning at the same time sets the table for a breakout performance by Dobbins.
14. James Robinson, RB Jacksonville Jaguars
2021 Rank: 19
Robinson suffered a torn Achilles late last season, but the Jaguars are hopeful that he’ll play in Week 1. Of course, the organization won’t push the former undrafted free agent to return before he’s ready. The organization isn’t facing high expectations this season, and rushing Robinson’s recovery would only damage the team’s long-term outlook.
Assuming Robinson’s recovery continues smoothly, I’m hoping he’ll perform close to the level he did as a rookie. The soon-to-be 24-year-old ran for 1,070 yards and 4.5 yards per attempt in 2020 on his way to tallying 1,414 yards from scrimmage and ten total touchdowns. He finished last year with 767 rushing yards thanks to Urban Meyer’s terrible coaching plan.
15. Antonio Gibson, RB Washington Commanders
2021 Rank: 11
Gibson flashed signs of stardom during his 2020 rookie season. Unfortunately, 2020 was significantly less impressive for the 24-year-old. Gibson’s efficiency declined as his touches increased. The Memphis product also fumbled six times, leading to some frustrating moments for Washington fans.
Gibson can still be one of the better running backs in the NFL if he corrects his fumbling issue. He’s produced ten or more touchdowns and over 1,000 yards from scrimmage in both his NFL seasons. That’s a healthy start to his career.
16. Tony Pollard, RB Dallas Cowboys
2021 Rank: NR
Everyone and their mother debated if Pollard was better than Ezekiel Elliott last season. The former fourth round pick has surpassed his mentor in explosiveness, and the offense was more efficient when Pollard saw playing time. He averaged 5.5 yards per carry to Elliott’s 4.2. That doesn’t mean Elliott brings nothing to the table, but it suggests the Cowboys should get Pollard closer to 200 carries in 2022.
Pollard finished his third NFL campaign with 130 carries for 719 yards. He produced 1,056 yards from scrimmage but only found the end zone twice. Elliott is nearly 20 pounds heavier than Pollard, which suggests the veteran should see more action in short-yardage situations in the coming seasons while Pollard gets more touches when there’s a lot of grass to cover.
Solid Starters
17. Melvin Gordon, RB Denver Broncos
2021 Rank: 20
The writing looked like it was on the wall for Gordon when Denver drafted Javonte Williams. Instead, the former Charger flipped the script and authored arguably the second most efficient campaign of his career. Gordon carried the ball 203 times for 918 yards and eight scores. He also added 213 receiving yards, bringing him to 1,131 yards from scrimmage.
Gordon once held out in hopes of landing a superstar running back contract. He’s never been that caliber of player, but he’s actually become a more complete back as he’s gotten older. While you can argue about his efficiency in different stages of his career, Gordon has five seasons with double-digit touchdowns and more than 1,100 yards from scrimmage. We can’t count him out yet.
18. Damien Harris, RB New England Patriots
2021 Rank: 16
The Patriots set aside a very specific role for Harris, and he plays it just about as well as any back could. The former third round pick burst onto the scene in 2020 with several promising performances in ten games. He returned in 2021 with another strong performance, producing 929 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns on 202 carries (4.6 yards per attempt).
Harris benefits from playing in New England’s system. I don’t know if he could play the role of a lead back on many other teams in the league, but he’s produced consistently for almost two years. Harris has the power to grind for yards after contact and the explosiveness to break off nearly two dozen runs over ten yards per year.
19. Ezekiel Elliott, RB Dallas Cowboys
2021 Rank: 10
Elliott has declined over the past two years. Anyone who says otherwise hasn’t watched many Cowboys games or taken a deep dive into his efficiency. Over his first four seasons, Elliott averaged 20.9 attempts and 96.5 yards per game and 4.6 yards per carry. In comparison, his averages over the last two years include 15 attempts and 61.9 yards per game and 4.1 yards per attempt.
Dallas’ offensive line losing some of its most essential pieces around Zack Martin and Tyron Smith hasn’t helped Elliott. The line struggling to fill the other three positions with capable starters only further highlights Elliott’s declining burst. The Ohio State product has carried the ball 1,650 times since entering the NFL. That workload eventually takes a toll.
20. Cordarrelle Patterson, RB Atlanta Falcons
2021 Rank: NR
It was tough to place Patterson because he’s unlike any running back on this list. The former wide receiver was a first round pick in 2013. He became an All-Pro return man when he failed to live up to his draft status as a pass catcher. Somewhere along the line, he got the idea to add weight and play running back. The Falcons bought into the idea, and here we are.
Patterson averaged four yards per carry in 2021 on his way to 618 rushing yards. He also added 52 receptions for 548 yards, bringing him to 1,166 yards from scrimmage and 11 total touchdowns. While Patterson struggled to win at wide receiver, he excels at creating after the catch out of the backfield.
Patterson lands at 20 despite the hype around his breakout season because he wasn’t statistically dominant, and his upside as a pure runner is limited.
21. David Montgomery, RB Chicago Bears
2021 Rank: 13
Montgomery probably deserves a top-20 rank, but he’s struggled to create behind a bad Chicago Bears offensive line. The Iowa State product averaged 3.7 yards per carry as a rookie and 3.8 this past season. While he’s crossed 1,000 yards from scrimmage in each of his first three seasons, it’s hard to elevate Montgomery above more efficient ball carriers.
To be clear, this isn’t a full reflection of Montgomery’s skill. He would probably clear the top 15 if he played in Philadelphia, Cleveland, or any city with a top offensive line. However, we can’t expect that level of production from the fourth-year pro in Chicago.
22. Leonard Fournette, RB Tampa Bay Buccaneers
2021 Rank: NR
Fournette never turned into the next superstar running back. The LSU product flamed out in Jacksonville and seemed one poor season away from possibly losing his NFL career. Luckily, he landed with Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Fournette revitalized his career in Tampa Bay, and he’s coming off a season where he averaged a career-high 4.5 yards per carry.
Fournette finished 2021 with ten total touchdowns and 1,266 yards from scrimmage, including 812 rushing yards. He’s not the most dynamic or explosive back, but he plays to the strengths of Tampa Bay’s offense. Even with Rachaad White joining the running back room, Fournette figures to get most of the team’s carries in 2022.
23. Josh Jacobs, RB Las Vegas Raiders
2021 Rank: 9
The Raiders declined Jacobs’ fifth-year option and seem ready to move on from the Alabama product after the 2022 season. Jacobs is more talented than the 24th running back in the NFL, but he’s not in a situation where I believe he’ll have sustained success. He’s only averaged 4.0 yards per carry over the past two seasons and didn’t generate as many explosive plays in 2021 as in previous years.
Jacobs could easily climb back into the top 20 with a strong performance in 2022 or in 2023 with a new team. Right now, I’m fading the former first round pick’s value for the upcoming season.
Jacobs produced over 1,200 yards from scrimmage in each of his first three seasons, including 1,220 yards from scrimmage in 2021.
24. Miles Sanders, RB Philadelphia Eagles
2021 Rank: Honorable Mention
I bought into the Sanders hype after his promising rookie season. However, his touches have stagnated over the past two years. The Eagles could turn Sanders into a central part of their offense and ask him to generate upwards of 1,400 yards per year. He probably could reach those marks thanks to his skills as a receiver and Philadelphia’s offensive line, but that’s just not what the Eagles envision for him.
This year marks the final season of Sanders’ rookie contract. The Penn State product could press his coaches for more touches as he attempts to earn an extension. However, the Eagles could be content with letting him walk in 2023 and turn to Kenneth Gainwell for more production.
Where Do We Go From Here?
25. Saquon Barkley, RB New York Giants
2021 Rank: 6
Barkley was a top-five running back in the NFL when he took the field for New York in 2018. Unfortunately the Penn State product’s rookie season is still his best. Barkley suffered a torn ACL in Week 2 of the 2020 season. He hasn’t fully recovered the agility, explosiveness, and dynamic playing style that made him the second overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.
Last season was a nightmare for Barkley and the Giants. The 25-year-old carried the ball 162 times for 593 yards and two scores. He added 41 receptions for 263 yards and two more scores through the air, but those totals don’t come close to touching his production in 2018 or 2019.
Barkley wasn’t a top-30 running back in 2021. He only makes this list because I’m holding out hope he can regain his former glory.
26. Elijah Mitchell, RB San Francisco 49ers
2021 Rank: NR
Mitchell should be much higher up this list if production was the only factor used to put together the rankings. The sixth round pick from Louisiana finished second among rookies in rushing yards with 963. He wrapped up his debut season with 1,100 yards from scrimmage and six total touchdowns.
I’m hesitant to move Mitchell higher up the list because the 49ers have a deep backfield that they added to in the most recent draft. San Francisco’s offensive scheme generates productive rushing attacks each year, and the 49ers always replace the running backs they move on from with equally successful options. Mitchell’s long-term value and role in San Francisco aren’t clearly defined.
27. James Conner, RB Arizona Cardinals
2021 Rank: NR
Conner averaged a career-low 3.7 yards per carry behind a bad Cardinals offensive line in 2021, but he looked more like the version of himself we saw in 2018. The former Steeler ramped up his involvement in the passing game and received a heavy dose of carries in scoring situations. Conner finished the year with 1,127 yards from scrimmage and 18 total touchdowns.
Conner never has and likely never will rush for 1,000 yards in a season. He has a long history of minor injuries, and touchdowns are a historically inconsistent predictor of future success. However, 2021 was the second time in five years that Conner authored a noteworthy performance. That counts for something.
28. Rashaad Penny, RB Seattle Seahawks
2021 Rank: NR
Penny flashed during each of his first two seasons but hit rock bottom in 2020 when he was unable to play until the final three games because of a torn ACL he suffered the previous year. The former first round pick rebounded with a massive 2021 campaign in place of the injured Chris Carson (more on him later).
Penny averaged 6.3 yards per attempt as he amassed 119 carries for 749 yards and six touchdowns. I was tempted to rank him much higher up the list because I saw his potential when I watched the Seahawks closely for FanSided’s NFLSpinZone. However, we still have to worry about Penny’s injury bug and his thin body of work.
29. Cam Akers, RB Los Angeles Rams
2021 Rank: NR
Akers performed at a high level behind a horrendous offensive line at Florida State. Unfortunately, he began amassing injuries in the NFL quickly, including a rib injury and a high ankle sprain in 2021. A torn Achilles caused Akers to miss all but one game of the 2021 regular season, and he only averaged 2.6 yards per carry in his playoff return.
Akers still has starting potential dating back to his profile as a 2020 draft pick. However, we’ve only seen limited action from him at the NFL level. He amassed 748 yards from scrimmage and three total touchdowns as a rookie.
30. Chris Carson, RB Seattle Seahawks
2021 Rank: 21
Carson is battling to get back on the field after a neck injury sidelined him for 13 games in 2021. His injury history dates back to his rookie season, and the neck injury could force him to retire. Even if his career continues past 2022, it’s unlikely we see an elite version of the former seventh round pick.
Carson rushed for over 1,100 yards in 2018 and 2019, but he’s only made 16 appearances in the past two years. Carson averaged 4.5 yards per carry and 82.1 yards per game during his two-year peak.
Honorable Mentions
Michael Carter, RB New York Jets
AJ Dillon, RB Green Bay Packers
Chase Edmonds, RB Miami Dolphins
Gus Edwards, RB Baltimore Ravens
Travis Etienne, RB Jacksonville Jaguars
Breece Hall, RB New York Jets
Devin Singletary, RB Buffalo Bills
Rhamondre Stevenson, New England Patriots
D'Andre Swift, RB Detroit Lions