NFL running backs are in a strange spot right now. Despite this being one of the most talented and athletic groups we’ve seen in NFL history, they are still viewed as undervalued by the league and don’t get the respect they deserve.
ESPN polled NFL coaches, scouts and executives to put together this ranking of the 10 best running backs in the league. Here’s how the top 10 went:
1 – Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco 49ers
2 – Breece Hall, New York Jets
3 – Nick Chubb, Cleveland Browns
4 – Saquon Barkley, Philadelphia Eagles
5 – Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts
6 – Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons
7 – Josh Jacobs, Green Bay Packers
8 – Jahmy Gibbs, Detroit Lions
9 – Derrick Henry, Baltimore Ravens
10 – Travis Etienne, Jacksonville Jaguars
You will notice that there are no Steelers backs to be seen. In fact, even when you look at the honorable mentions, there’s no mention of Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren at all.
To find Harris, you have to scroll all the way down to the bottom and he is among those backs who also received votes. This is despite Harris topping 1,000 rushing yards in each of his first three seasons. A feat no other running back has ever accomplished.
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