Top 5 RBs In The NFL?

[AZravensfan]

Well I am just sitting here bored (decided not to go out this weekend, turned out to be a bad decision lol). Was watching some old video clips on NFL.com where they were picking top 5 RB's in the NFl. I didnt agree with anything they said really so I decided to post here and see what peoples thoughts were.

My top five are:

1) Chris Johnson- I don't even really know how you argue against this guy being the best but if soemone has a good reason not to put him up here I would be glad to read it.

2) Ray Rice- Yea I know because hes a Raven right? Wrong. I really do feel he is the second best RB in the NFL. So good at running, great vision,quick,nice cuts, and some good moves (stiff arm!). He is also one of if not the best Receiving RB in the league. With 1300 yards on the ground and 700 receiving he has been a really impressive player for us. Not to mention he shares time with McGahee and McClain so even more impressive,imo.


3) Adrian Peterson- A lot of people say hes the best in the NFL. Well with his running style and his pure ability he could be. Problem with him is he fumbles way too much. I don't think that will ever change honestly. He is the RB capable of pulling of some of the best highlight reel runs, but I hate turnovers so I will keep him at the third spot.

4) Frank Gore- Honestly between this and #5 I am kinda just picking my favorite not necessarily the best but here goes. This guy is fun to watch! An absolute workhorse. Some of his games are inconsistent but some of that is not his fault. The 49ers haven't had the best team or O-line recently(even though they are looking pretty good on paper this year). He does good with receiving and can make some really nice running plays, a joy to watch. Since I am in Arizona I see him a lot nowadays!

5) Steven Jackson- He has kind of fell off the map just because his team has been terrible recently. He put up 1400 yards(I think last year) and like 400 yards receiving. He is a beast of a running back but plays on a bad team. He has a nice mixture of power and speed. Just another guy I like watching and I feel sorry for him going 1-15 last year, even though he played his heart out.

Thats my five best well at least 3 best and the other 2 are my 4th and 5th favorite!

Let me know what you think and what your list looks like!

[ed.s52]

Well honestly I think everyone knows that you can put the top 3-5 any way you want and it could be justified because based on schedules, surrounding talent, if they are having a good/bad year, and the run-pass ratio drasticly affects how a RB plays. I'll give you a top 10 because I feel like it

1)Chris Johnson
In my opinion not the lock everyone thinks he mostly got so many yards because the Titans ran the ball exclusively rather than AP who got a good 1400 yards on a pass happy team and if he kept his fumbling down would probably be the #1 RB.

2)Ray Rice
We weren't the best passing team but Rice was our best receiver and had the highest avg yards per rush besides CJ in the top 10 total yards RB's. And the crazy part is everybody knew it was coming.

3)Adian Peterson
He's Adrian Peterson. He is a beast but fumbles a little too much. That simple.

4)MJD
Pretty much an Adrian Peterson but not a little less good at everything but fumbling

5)Frank "the Tank" Gore
Frank Gore is a monster. The best power back in the league. A bit underrated due to injuries and the bad line but now with the draft all done he should have a Pro Bowl season.

6)Steven Jackson
The overused workhorse of the Rams.

7+8)Jonathan Stewert/Deangelo Williams
I wont seperate these two. They are essentiall equal right now. Stewert still has more youth and power while Williams is more speedy.

9)Ryan Grant
What a beast? Still racking up 1250 on a passhappy team with an injury stricken line. Cant wait to see him next year.

10)CJ Spiller
I'm not sure this is a good pick I just want to be spontaneous and I figured Spiller is the second coming of Chris Johnson and the Bills have a not so horrible line.

[AZravensfan]

I can't really understand the argument for Peterson to be number 1 but yea the top 3 should be the same people.
CJ Spiller while I like him I dont think he is tough enough to be the next Chris Johnson but we shall see about that.

Yea I am hoping to see Gore back in pro bowl form and there first two picks should help that. Poor Steven Jackson lol. I hope the rams play a bit better just for his sake this year

[BlindSide]

Thomas Jones is the most underrated RB. You could say he is top 4-8.

[AZravensfan]

[quote name='BlindSide' date='25 April 2010 - 01:14 AM' timestamp='1272183266' post='399609']
Thomas Jones is the most underrated RB. You could say he is top 4-8.
[/quote]

Eh I would say maybe about 10, I dont know maybe I will come up with my 6-10 but go ahead and post a list and why!

[1/28/01]

[quote name='ed.s52' date='25 April 2010 - 03:48 AM' timestamp='1272181734' post='399607']

10)CJ Spiller
I'm not sure this is a good pick I just want to be spontaneous and I figured Spiller is the second coming of Chris Johnson and the Bills have a not so horrible line.
[/quote]
Have you seen the Bills o-line? They have one of the worst in the NFL....ha!

[Ed_Reed20]

While I'm confident Rice will have a long and productive career, I hestitate to put him in the top 5 after just one big season. Here's my list for right now:

1. Chris Johnson
2. Adrian Peterson
3. Steven Jackson (when healthy)
4) Frank Gore (when healthy)
5) DeAngelo Williams

[bossman419]

If Adrian Peterson didn't have so many costly fumbles, he would easily be number 1. CJ2k just isn't as good inside the tackles as Peterson is.

[AZravensfan]

[quote name='bossman419' date='25 April 2010 - 08:19 AM' timestamp='1272208748' post='399678']
If Adrian Peterson didn't have so many costly fumbles, he would easily be number 1. CJ2k just isn't as good inside the tackles as Peterson is.
[/quote]

Yea for sure but the problem is he does have those fumbles...he is a human highlight reel but fumbles WAY to much.

[Jamal]

One great year doesn't put you in the top five IMO

1. CJ
2. Peterson
3. Steven Jackson
4. DeAngelo Williams
5. MJD

[justifythegame]

1)SJAX
2)AP
3)CJ
4)DeAngelo Williams
5)MJD

Sjax is one of the most underrated players in the nfl period. i've watched this guy for years and his accomplishments are amazing even despite his team getting worse every season. If his team was better like it was earlier in his carreer, he would be the best in NFL, adding even more receiving yardage to his total, and would be noticed more.

AP wasn't as explosive last year because he is starting to break down the carries he keeps getting, but he is arguably the best. but if they don't find a way to cut down on his touches i think he could have a shorter carreer like Jamal Lewis. This is why the Ravens keep 2 elite backs on the team to split touches.

CJ doesn't need any explaining. Don't rank him ahead of the others because he isn't a complete back like the others, but it really doesn't matter if he speeds past everyone.

DeAngelo Williams, one of the most underrated RBs in the NFL. Another guy who gets overlooked because of he plays for an unpopular team.

MJD has been proving people wrong for years, with impressive numbers and TDs despite being #2. proved he can put up elite #s if he starts last year.

Ray Rice is great but there is no way you can rank him ahead of these incredible players, Rice may very well become better than all of them one day, but he has to consistantly put up similar perfromances in the future, you can't just throw him in there based off of one season imo. Cam Cameron's system allows almost any RB to put up big #s anyway. He's done it with LT, even Turner had monster ypc as a backup. Had Ronnie Brown as a candidate for MVP before getting hurt. Had a FB grab nearly 1k yards, before helping Ray Rice land his big season.

[AZravensfan]

[quote name='justifythegame' date='25 April 2010 - 11:03 AM' timestamp='1272218606' post='399768']
1)SJAX
2)AP
3)CJ
4)DeAngelo Williams
5)MJD

Sjax is one of the most underrated players in the nfl period. i've watched this guy for years and his accomplishments are amazing even despite his team getting worse every season. If his team was better like it was earlier in his carreer, he would be the best in NFL, adding even more receiving yardage to his total, and would be noticed more.

AP wasn't as explosive last year because he is starting to break down the carries he keeps getting, but he is arguably the best. but if they don't find a way to cut down on his touches i think he could have a shorter carreer like Jamal Lewis. This is why the Ravens keep 2 elite backs on the team to split touches.

CJ doesn't need any explaining. Don't rank him ahead of the others because he isn't a complete back like the others, but it really doesn't matter if he speeds past everyone.

DeAngelo Williams, one of the most underrated RBs in the NFL. Another guy who gets overlooked because of he plays for an unpopular team.

MJD has been proving people wrong for years, with impressive numbers and TDs despite being #2. proved he can put up elite #s if he starts last year.

Ray Rice is great but there is no way you can rank him ahead of these incredible players, Rice may very well become better than all of them one day, but he has to consistantly put up similar perfromances in the future, you can't just throw him in there based off of one season imo. Cam Cameron's system allows almost any RB to put up big #s anyway. He's done it with LT, even Turner had monster ypc as a backup. Had Ronnie Brown as a candidate for MVP before getting hurt. Had a FB grab nearly 1k yards, before helping Ray Rice land his big season.
[/quote]

I put him at number 2 as of right now just because of last year. Like if I had to choose from all the NFL back who would I want on my team for ten years? First would be CJ second would be Ray Rice. I guess I am just really confident he will stay injury free and continue to put up huge numbers in both passing and receiving.

You are right I forgot about De'Angelo (wow), he is really good and very underrated. Solid point there!

Yea Steven Jackson is still amazing wish he was on a better team. Not in our division of course.

I must be one of the only people not sold on Peterson. The guy is a freak athlete and the most exciting RB in the NFL. That said I would still take CJ and Ray Rice over him, all of the fumbles are a deal breaker to me.

CJ- You are so right about him. He is a pretty tough player especially to be such a burner. You don't really have to be a complete RB when your as fast and tough as he is.

So yea I should have stated it better. Obviously all of these guys have had better careers. I still think based off of last year that Ray Rice is the second best(at this moment) in the NFL and I believe he will get better and stay consistant. Cam Cameron is very good with RBs that is very true. I still think I would take him second over the other guys.

[McBurks]

1) Chris Johnson
2) Adrian Peterson
3) Steven Jackson
4) Frank Gore
5) Michael Turner

I think Gore and Turner could really be top 5 backs when they stay healthy.Then there's underrated guys like Thomas Jones,DeAngelo Williams,Fred Jackson and Ryan Grant.

[BlindSide]

[quote name='AZravensfan' date='25 April 2010 - 04:22 AM' timestamp='1272183740' post='399610']
Eh I would say maybe about 10, I dont know maybe I will come up with my 6-10 but go ahead and post a list and why!
[/quote]

How may RB over the past 5 year can say they rushed for 6,372 years and 43 TD's?

[AZravensfan]

This was a silly topic to post I was just bored . Thanks for the responses, I am ready to let this thing die!

Point taken Blindside.

[berad]

No one has mentioned Cedric Benson? The dude was a beast before his injury. He ran as hard as any RB I have ever seen last season, especially against us. Hopefully, for our sake, that doesn't continue.

[ed.s52]

Yea the Spiller pick was more joking around. AP is definitely the most talented besides his fumbles, but that keeps him out of the #1 spot.

Like I said before you can easily justify any of the top RB's whether its S-Jax, Benson, Thomas Jones, Rice, etc. somewhere in the top 5 because none of us know how AP would fare with the Jets line, How Rice would do with the Vikes passing game, how S-Jax would do with any kind of talent around him at all, etc.

[Romo Ravens]

1.) Chris Johnson
2.) AP
3.) MJD
4.) Steven Jackson
5.) Ray Rice

That is the top 5.

[Jamal]

[quote name='justifythegame' date='25 April 2010 - 02:03 PM' timestamp='1272218606' post='399768']
1)SJAX
2)AP
3)CJ
4)DeAngelo Williams
5)MJD

Sjax is one of the most underrated players in the nfl period. i've watched this guy for years and his accomplishments are amazing even despite his team getting worse every season. If his team was better like it was earlier in his carreer, he would be the best in NFL, adding even more receiving yardage to his total, and would be noticed more.

AP wasn't as explosive last year because he is starting to break down the carries he keeps getting, but he is arguably the best. but if they don't find a way to cut down on his touches i think he could have a shorter carreer like Jamal Lewis. This is why the Ravens keep 2 elite backs on the team to split touches.

CJ doesn't need any explaining. Don't rank him ahead of the others because he isn't a complete back like the others, but it really doesn't matter if he speeds past everyone.

DeAngelo Williams, one of the most underrated RBs in the NFL. Another guy who gets overlooked because of he plays for an unpopular team.

MJD has been proving people wrong for years, with impressive numbers and TDs despite being #2. proved he can put up elite #s if he starts last year.

Ray Rice is great but there is no way you can rank him ahead of these incredible players, Rice may very well become better than all of them one day, but he has to consistantly put up similar perfromances in the future, you can't just throw him in there based off of one season imo. Cam Cameron's system allows almost any RB to put up big #s anyway. He's done it with LT, even Turner had monster ypc as a backup. Had Ronnie Brown as a candidate for MVP before getting hurt. Had a FB grab nearly 1k yards, before helping Ray Rice land his big season.
[/quote]
Change that Bryant avatar. lol It hurts enough as it is, plus hes a Cowboy now.

[JROCK275]

rice is a top back, but I dont know if I can put him in the top 5 yet. I look at the top players off of consistency (game in & game out, year in & year out). yes he was consistent all of 2009-10, but it was also rays 1st year as the full time starter which he was nothing but consistent. ray will definately be consistent with his game, and he definately has all the skills needed. just wanted voice my opinion.

[Ed_Reed20]

While most wouldn't consider them "top 5" RBs, I could watch these five guys run all day:

1. Pierre Thomas
2. Fred Jackson
3. Cadillac Williams
4. Marshawn Lynch
5. Jamaal Charles

[flynismo]

If I were building a team from scratch, I would go like this:

1. Ray Rice
Is as good as CJ running the ball, but brings some serious versatility to the offense with his recieving skills. This guy is Marshall Faulk v2.0

2. Chris Johnson
No explanation needed.

3. Adrian Peterson
See above. However, the reason CJ gets the ever so slight nod over AD is because AD's durability scares me. He's always seemingly one explosive run away from a strained hammy. Ball security issues dont help his cause either.

4. MJD
Lil Dynamite. Love this kid. Very similiar to Rice. Solid in pass protection as well (just ask 'Lights Out' Merriman haha)

5. Steven Jackson
Despite the fact he is accumulating some miles on his tires, this guy is a serious talent. If you can make a name for yourself in the 'Lou, you can be a star anywhere.

My list would look only slightly different if based on past accomplishment, but I'd rather focus on today and the future.

[XxSizzleXx]

[quote name='Jamal' date='25 April 2010 - 12:01 PM' timestamp='1272218474' post='399764']
One great year doesn't put you in the top five IMO

1. CJ
2. Peterson
3. Steven Jackson
4. DeAngelo Williams
5. MJD
[/quote]

My list would be the exact same.