The Oklahoma Sooners have a long history of producing fantastic running backs. In recent years, [autotag]Joe Mixon[/autotag] and [autotag]Rhamondre Stevenson[/autotag] have taken up the mantle for Oklahoma at the NFL level after [autotag]Adrian Peterson[/autotag] and [autotag]DeMarco Murray[/autotag] passed the torch.
As Pro Football Focus goes through its position rankings, Stevenson and Mixon were included in the top 32 running backs in the NFL ahead of the 2023 season. Stevenson came in at No. 16, and Mixon came in at No. 22.
Stevenson has been very solid to start his NFL career. In each of the past two seasons, he has recorded an 80.0-plus rushing grade. And in both years, he averaged more than 4.7 yards per carry with more than 3.4 yards after contact. The arrow is pointing even higher for Stevenson into 2023 and beyond. — Trevon Sikkema, PFF
Stevenson earned his first 1,000-yard season in 2022, carrying the ball 210 times for 1,040 yards and five touchdowns. He also had 69 receptions for 421 yards and a touchdown, making him an invaluable part of the New England Patriots’ offense.
Mixon has a ton of production in his career. His 814 rushing yards, 16 explosive runs and 3.9 yards per carry average in 2022 were lower than what you would want to see from both a volume and efficiency standpoint, but he remains comfortable with a heavy workload. That includes the passing game, where he recorded a career-high 60 catches and 414 receiving yards in 2022. – Sikkema, PFF
Joe Mixon has been a steady contributor for the Cincinnati Bengals in his six seasons. He’s had three 1,000-yard seasons and has averaged 4.1 yards per carry. Mixon’s scored 50 touchdowns during his tenure with the Bengals.
Even though he had his lowest yardage total when playing at least 14 games since his rookie season, Mixon’s still an incredibly important part of the Bengals’ offensive attack. As Joe Burrow and the passing game have become the focal point, Cincinnati’s offense will allow Mixon to shine through the passing game.
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