Who would you consider an elite physical talent at RB? (1 Viewer)

[The Real Hipster Doofus]

When looking at running backs, especially after around the 4th round or so, it's all about talent. I would rather take a shot on a guy with talent over a guy with situation at that point. So who would you consider the truly elite athletes at the RB position?

My list...

Adrian Peterson

Maurice Jones-Drew

Steven Jackson

Chris Johnson

Ronnie Brown

Darren McFadden

Reggie Bush (although more of a reciever I know)

Jonathan Stewart

Beanie Wells (if he can stay healthy)

Felix Jones

Michael Bush (if healthy)

There are others I think that are close (Turner, McCoy, etc) but I think the top is the cream of the crop.

Thoughts?

 

[None_More_Black]

When looking at running backs, especially after around the 4th round or so, it's all about talent. I would rather take a shot on a guy with talent over a guy with situation at that point. So who would you consider the truly elite athletes at the RB position? My list...Adrian PetersonMaurice Jones-DrewSteven JacksonChris JohnsonRonnie BrownDarren McFaddenReggie Bush (although more of a reciever I know)Jonathan StewartBeanie Wells (if he can stay healthy)Felix JonesMichael Bush (if healthy)There are others I think that are close (Turner, McCoy, etc) but I think the top is the cream of the crop.Thoughts?

I would not consider Ronnie Brown or McCoy elite physical talents. I would put D.Williams in there instead.

 

[Cookiemonster]

When looking at running backs, especially after around the 4th round or so, it's all about talent. I would rather take a shot on a guy with talent over a guy with situation at that point. So who would you consider the truly elite athletes at the RB position?

My list...

Adrian Peterson

Maurice Jones-Drew

Steven Jackson

Chris Johnson

Ronnie Brown

Darren McFadden

Reggie Bush (although more of a reciever I know)

Jonathan Stewart

Beanie Wells (if he can stay healthy)

Felix Jones

Michael Bush (if healthy)

There are others I think that are close (Turner, McCoy, etc) but I think the top is the cream of the crop.

Thoughts?

I would not consider Ronnie Brown or McCoy elite physical talents. I would put D.Williams in there instead.

Williams is a great runner, but I wouldn't call him an elite physical talent. If Michael Bush belongs on that list, than many others do as well, and Ronnie is certainly one of them. I would also consider Larry Johnson, Marion and Turner. I think Fred has lost a step, but he was one. Chris Brown, on the rare occasion that he's healthy could also be. I have reservations about McFadden, as I haven't seen the superior speed he supposedly has and he isn't a strong tackle-breaker either. Jury is out on Beanie. Speed/strength/agility are the name of the game here.

 

[flranger]

An elite physical talent poll that doesn't include LT, Brandon Jacobs, or Westbrook but includes Michael Bush? WTF is going on in this world

 

[None_More_Black]

When looking at running backs, especially after around the 4th round or so, it's all about talent. I would rather take a shot on a guy with talent over a guy with situation at that point. So who would you consider the truly elite athletes at the RB position?

My list...

Adrian Peterson

Maurice Jones-Drew

Steven Jackson

Chris Johnson

Ronnie Brown

Darren McFadden

Reggie Bush (although more of a reciever I know)

Jonathan Stewart

Beanie Wells (if he can stay healthy)

Felix Jones

Michael Bush (if healthy)

There are others I think that are close (Turner, McCoy, etc) but I think the top is the cream of the crop.

Thoughts?

I would not consider Ronnie Brown or McCoy elite physical talents. I would put D.Williams in there instead.

Williams is a great runner, but I wouldn't call him an elite physical talent. If Michael Bush belongs on that list, than many others do as well, and Ronnie is certainly one of them. I would also consider Larry Johnson, Marion and Turner. I think Fred has lost a step, but he was one. Chris Brown, on the rare occasion that he's healthy could also be. I have reservations about McFadden, as I haven't seen the superior speed he supposedly has and he isn't a strong tackle-breaker either. Jury is out on Beanie. Speed/strength/agility are the name of the game here.

Not size speed, but quickness, vision, cutting ability. He is a home run hitter. Should have included Jacobs as well.

 

[Ignoratio Elenchi]

I'm pretty sure just about every RB in the NFL is an elite physical talent. That's why they're an RB in the NFL, and not a short order cook or somesuch.

 

[Burning Sensation]

When looking at running backs, especially after around the 4th round or so, it's all about talent. I would rather take a shot on a guy with talent over a guy with situation at that point. So who would you consider the truly elite athletes at the RB position?

My list...

Adrian Peterson

Maurice Jones-Drew

Steven Jackson

Chris Johnson

Ronnie Brown

Darren McFadden

Reggie Bush (although more of a reciever I know)

Jonathan Stewart

Beanie Wells (if he can stay healthy)

Felix Jones

Michael Bush (if healthy)

There are others I think that are close (Turner, McCoy, etc) but I think the top is the cream of the crop.

Thoughts?

I would not consider Ronnie Brown or McCoy elite physical talents. I would put D.Williams in there instead.

Williams is a great runner, but I wouldn't call him an elite physical talent. If Michael Bush belongs on that list, than many others do as well, and Ronnie is certainly one of them. I would also consider Larry Johnson, Marion and Turner. I think Fred has lost a step, but he was one. Chris Brown, on the rare occasion that he's healthy could also be. I have reservations about McFadden, as I haven't seen the superior speed he supposedly has and he isn't a strong tackle-breaker either. Jury is out on Beanie. Speed/strength/agility are the name of the game here.

Chris Brown is but Mcfadden is not?You want to see Mcfaddens speed, watch last weeks preseason game on NFL network. Also notice the job he does with pass blockng, he man-hadled Ratliff on the Russell 17 yard run.

 

[Cookiemonster]

Williams is a great runner, but I wouldn't call him an elite physical talent. If Michael Bush belongs on that list, than many others do as well, and Ronnie is certainly one of them. I would also consider Larry Johnson, Marion and Turner. I think Fred has lost a step, but he was one. Chris Brown, on the rare occasion that he's healthy could also be. I have reservations about McFadden, as I haven't seen the superior speed he supposedly has and he isn't a strong tackle-breaker either. Jury is out on Beanie. Speed/strength/agility are the name of the game here.

Chris Brown is but Mcfadden is not?You want to see Mcfaddens speed, watch last weeks preseason game on NFL network. Also notice the job he does with pass blockng, he man-hadled Ratliff on the Russell 17 yard run.

I've watched most of McFadden's NFL carries. He's quick accelerating, but his outright speed is not living up to the billing. Collisions are violent, but he doesn't seem strong to me or a big tackle breaker. Chris Brown is bigger, as quick, faster, and with a casual stiff arm put Roy Williams on the back of his neck. He hasn't been healthy since what, '05? I don't know if he's still got it, but last I saw of him he did.

 

[Burning Sensation]

Williams is a great runner, but I wouldn't call him an elite physical talent. If Michael Bush belongs on that list, than many others do as well, and Ronnie is certainly one of them. I would also consider Larry Johnson, Marion and Turner. I think Fred has lost a step, but he was one. Chris Brown, on the rare occasion that he's healthy could also be. I have reservations about McFadden, as I haven't seen the superior speed he supposedly has and he isn't a strong tackle-breaker either. Jury is out on Beanie. Speed/strength/agility are the name of the game here.

Chris Brown is but Mcfadden is not?You want to see Mcfaddens speed, watch last weeks preseason game on NFL network. Also notice the job he does with pass blockng, he man-hadled Ratliff on the Russell 17 yard run.

I've watched most of McFadden's NFL carries. He's quick accelerating, but his outright speed is not living up to the billing. Collisions are violent, but he doesn't seem strong to me or a big tackle breaker. Chris Brown is bigger, as quick, faster, and with a casual stiff arm put Roy Williams on the back of his neck. He hasn't been healthy since what, '05? I don't know if he's still got it, but last I saw of him he did.

 

[Jewell]

Lendale White and TJ Duckett. It's an amazing talent to be an NFL running back while being that fat.

Honestly, though, you're going to get a vast discrepancy in answers depending on what talent people value.

Strength - Jacobs, Barber, Lynch

Speed - Peterson, McFadden, Felix Jones

Agility - Tomlinson, Westbrook, Bush, DeAngelo Williams

There are so many right answers.

 

[Thorpe]

Lendale White and TJ Duckett. It's an amazing talent to be an NFL running back while being that fat.Honestly, though, you're going to get a vast discrepancy in answers depending on what talent people value.Strength - Jacobs, Barber, LynchSpeed - Peterson, McFadden, Felix JonesAgility - Tomlinson, Westbrook, Bush, DeAngelo WilliamsThere are so many right answers.

Lynch is a beast. I have never seen anyone not go down on first contact better than him. He doesn't have great speed and sometimes he has poor vision, but he can turn a 2 yard run into 9 yards just on determination.Westbrook has great balance and load center of gravity and always takes great angles.Peterson has the speed, but he is not great as an inside runner so he can be stopped.Jacobs - good center of gravity for a big man.

 

[loose circuits]

nobody here must have watched much football last year if Chris Johnson isn't mentioned...amazing

 

[Garts]

I know he is done in the NFL, but watching Rudi Johnson in his prime pounding the rock in between the tackles was a thing of beauty. He used to beat up opposing LB's and leave them in the ice tub for a few days.

Jonathan Stewart is a beast. Just gotta stay on the field.

 

[jbz]

Chris Brown is faster then Terence Newman according to this:

 

[radballs]

Elite physical talent: Ricky Williams

 

[Carver]

Fred Taylor to do what he can do at his age is about as elite as it gets. He still has a burst at like 33. Amazing.

 

[SSOG]

In my mind, "elite" is a very, very high standard. If half of the RBs in the league are "elite" physical talents (compared to the rest of the NFL RBs), then I'd say that "elite" doesn't mean all that much.

With that in mind... some awards.

Best Physical Tools (Speed Division):

Chris Johnson. A 4.24 forty? Are you KIDDING me? And he's one of those backs whose forty speed is essentially the same as his playing speed (he plays significantly faster than McFadden, who almost matched his forty time with a 4.27).

Worth mentioning: Darren McFadden might have had a significantly better forty than Felix Jones (4.27 vs. 4.47- a shocking mark for Jones, to be sure), but Jones plays significantly faster on the field. Other than those three, I can't think of any real jaw-dropping burners in the league right now.

Best Physical Tools (Size Division):

Jonathan Stewart. He's the best size/speed combo I've seen come into the league this decade (5'11", 235 lbs, 4.48 forty), and only Steven Jackson (6'3"/229/4.55) and Ronnie Brown (6'0"/233/4.48) come close. Basically, at the combine, he weighed as much as LenDale White and ran as fast as Felix Jones. Think about that for a second.

Worth mentioning: Already mentioned SJax and Ronnie, who are the definite runners up in the Big Backs category. The fact that they're both taller than Stewart makes the size a little less imposing (5'11" and 235 is effectively bigger than 6'0" and 235).

Best Physical Tools (All-Around):

Maurice Jones-Drew. At 205 pounds he hits like a 230 pound back. In addition to being perhaps the strongest RB in the NFL, he also runs a sub-4.4 forty. He's absurd.

Worth mentioning: No one. MJD is really in a class of his own in the pound-for-pound category.

Who doesn't make the cut?

Most of the older backs are conspicuously absent, and for two good reasons. First, physical skills erode with age. Tomlinson and Portis aren't the specimens they were 3 years ago. Second, every year players are getting bigger, stronger, and faster. Chris Johnson might be the fastest back in the league right now, but two years from now that title will fall to Jeffrey Demps. Steven Jackson was the most physically gifted big back the league had seen in 2004... but in 2005, Ronnie Brown was even better... and in 2008, Jonathan Stewart was better still. Two years from now, we might see a 235 pound guy who runs a 4.35 who claims the new top spot on the list.

Reggie Bush and Adrian Peterson were perhaps the two most highly regarded RBs coming out of college, but they aren't the physical freaks of nature that the guys already listed are. Bush was coveted for his change of direction and straight line speeds, but neither have lived up to the billing. Adrian Peterson is an incredible runner not because he's the most physically gifted guy on the field, but because he is an incredibly instinctive and creative runner with unmatched balance.

 

[kremenull]

I really like the intent of this post, as it poses a question attempting to provide insight into uncovering the characteristics of a great RB. I think the OP gave a pretty vague request, however, by simply stating "who are the elite physical talents" at the RB position. Without some sort of criteria, or "point of reference" from which to measure, you will certainly get varying opinions as to how people interpret the question. I like how SSOG broke it down into different categories, even though I disagree with several key points he made, Peterson is a physical marvel, on the level of just about any RB to ever play the game. Looking at many of the physical and instinctive traits critical to RBs, his size/speed/agility/overall athleticism/power/balance/vision combination is phenomenal.

For me, it comes down to a point of reference, or a measuring stick. An elite RB, IMO, is primarily based on instincts (vision, awareness, anticipation, patience, jukes/wiggle) and athleticism (strength/power, burst/acceleration, agility, top-end speed, balance), combined with the determination and drive to not be denied. The truly elite guys don't necessarily require the greatest of blocking, and they often have defenses stacked just to contain them, yet they still succeed to levels of greatness. They are what I deem "pure runners". It's not that easy to fully describe, but there is a quote from one of the greatest "pure runners" of all-time that sums it up quite nicely......."Just give me 6 inches of daylight, that's all I need" - Gale Sayers.

Back to my "point of reference", and for me, I ask the question, who are the guys who simply have the abilities to take it to the next level of performance, when all other things are pretty much considered equal? Give them an inch, they take chunks of yards, give them inches, they make "magic". My ultimate point of reference, or measuring stick, for "pure runners" is Barry Sanders.

One thing that I'll state is that I believe the elite athletes that rely mainly on true, brute force, I don't consider them to be elite physical talents, especially with regards to RBs in this category that I'm explaining, the "pure runners". So the Brandon Jacobs' of the world, nuh-uh.......

Other guys who I've seen mentioned in this discussion who couldn't crack my list are Steven Jackson, MB III, and Michael Bush. Again, no disrespect to any of these players, all fine football players and great athletes, but "pure runners" are special guys, born to run the football and they are electric with the ball in their hands.......And lastly, I do stress "game speed", you gotta be able to go the distance, otherwise, your upside is limited, IMO, and I think that the OP definitely intended for upside to be part of the criteria. Best "pure runners" in the game today, in order.....

1. Adrian Peterson......UNQUESTIONED, clear as the sky is blue. If you can't see this one, then you just don't know and probably never will.

2. DeAngelo Williams.....Yep, probably threw many of you for a loop here, but this kid is tremendous, makes something out of very little on a regular basis. One small caveat though, he is simply keeping the #2 spot warm for the next guy on my list

3. Felix Jones......One word, ELECTRIC!.....Once he hits the field this year barring a significant amount of missed time due to injury, even in a RBBC, he will shine as bright as anybody in the NFL. Barber will be regulated to 2nd fiddle by the end of the year, if not sooner. Don't be surprised to see close to 6ypc with 180+ carries, translation, 5.7 or better.

4. Chris Johnson....Unmatched burst/acceleration, but instincts, although Johnson's are very good and top-level, his are not on the level of the 3 guys listed above him, and that is why they are ranked higher here.

5. (tie) MJD.......Pocket Hercules is a scoring machine, a little ball of dynamite who is extremely tough to tackle and ultra-instinctive. But another thing that I question with regards to earlier comments is the sub-4.40 40 attribute. I really doubt this, and even if it's true, his game speed does NOT reflect a sub 4.40 40. In comparison to Felix, who clocked a 4.44 or so, Felix plays much faster than MJD. Not a knock on MJD, just a realization and one reason for the given rankings.

Larry Johnson (LJ).....Surprise! Again, the mantra is "pure runner", and even now, LJ still has "it". "It" may not reflect in his final statistical numbers this year, but the guy still can run like few others. If given the carries, he will get the yards at a very nice clip. From what I witnessed on film last season, the guy still has the vision, cuts, balance, and most importantly to keep him on this list, the burst/acceleration. After this season, he may fall out of these ranks, but who knows what's in store for LJ this year? It's all about the touches, the talent is still there in spades....

Well, I'll stop right here and with all due respect to some greats still playing who would've easily made this list only a couple of years ago, LT, Westbrook, and Fred Taylor, this is not a legacy list. This is about right now, and going forward from this point who I believe have the "goods" to take it to the next level of performance.

 

[Brassmonkey71]

An elite physical talent poll that doesn't include LT, Brandon Jacobs, or Westbrook but includes Michael Bush? WTF is going on in this world

Great minds think alike...I was going to post a similar comment. I may be a home, but how Brandon Jacobs NOT included?? :(

 

[Ned]

These threads are very subjective, but the term elite is tossed around far too liberally, IMO.

AP, LT, Westbrook, and Stewart are on the short list (Stewart will prove it in due time). Outside of that, things start to blurr - that right there should tell you they are the elite.

 

[switz]

So who would you consider the truly elite athletes at the RB position?

Adrian PetersonMaurice Jones-DrewBrian WestbrookChris JohnsonDarren McFaddenReggie Bush (although more of a reciever I know)Felix JonesLadainian Tomlinson (getting older, but he is an elite talent)

 

[money.never.sleeps]

Lendale White and TJ Duckett. It's an amazing talent to be an NFL running back while being that fat.

I recently saw Duckett at training camp with his shirt off.. dude is BUFF/Ripped..

 

[Cookiemonster]

Everybody keeps listing McFadden, but I just don't see it on the field. I have yet to see anything from him on the field that says to me he is better than Fargas. Now, I follow the Raiders, and hope for a Russell/DMC/DHB triplets formula but that doesn't mean that I'm going to blindly see his "unofficial 4.27" from the combine or official 4.33 and say that he's shown it on the field. Last year, he had one open-field run that he got caught from behind (I'm willing to say that was likely his toe issues 'cause he looked slower than a 4.5 on that one) and one run this year in the Dallas game that I would expect a 4.3 guy to have pulled away from the DB with the angle he had.

 

[TobiasFunke]

Not a lot of love for Marion Barber in here? That man's been blessed with some awful strong legs. I'd love to see him try one of those pool or truck jumping tricks that are all the rage on Youtube these days.

 

[switz]

Not a lot of love for Marion Barber in here? That man's been blessed with some awful strong legs. I'd love to see him try one of those pool or truck jumping tricks that are all the rage on Youtube these days.

He's really not all that talented though...

 

[lyon812]

For me, it comes down to a point of reference, or a measuring stick. An elite RB, IMO, is primarily based on instincts (vision, awareness, anticipation, patience, jukes/wiggle) and athleticism (strength/power, burst/acceleration, agility, top-end speed, balance), combined with the determination and drive to not be denied.

I think that this is a nice breakdown of the mental aspects (instincts) and physical aspects (athleticism). However, we should remember that someone can be an absolute physical beast, but still not succeed at the NFL level. Elite physical talent + minimal mental talent can lead to failure. Our greatest subjectivism is only considering those who have stood out statistically.

 

[switz]

An elite physical talent poll that doesn't include LT, Brandon Jacobs, or Westbrook but includes Michael Bush? WTF is going on in this world

Great minds think alike...I was going to post a similar comment. I may be a home, but how Brandon Jacobs NOT included??

I'm not sure being a physical specimen is the same a being an elite talent. But that's subjective I guess... IMO big and fast != talent. Vision, agility, awareness, etc. = talent.

 

[money.never.sleeps]

Everybody keeps listing McFadden, but I just don't see it on the field. I have yet to see anything from him on the field that says to me he is better than Fargas. Now, I follow the Raiders, and hope for a Russell/DMC/DHB triplets formula but that doesn't mean that I'm going to blindly see his "unofficial 4.27" from the combine or official 4.33 and say that he's shown it on the field. Last year, he had one open-field run that he got caught from behind (I'm willing to say that was likely his toe issues 'cause he looked slower than a 4.5 on that one) and one run this year in the Dallas game that I would expect a 4.3 guy to have pulled away from the DB with the angle he had.

I agree and was surprised that he didnt take that one all the way. Was watching and it def. appeared that play was going for 6 but he got caught.

 

[money.never.sleeps]

Not a lot of love for Marion Barber in here? That man's been blessed with some awful strong legs. I'd love to see him try one of those pool or truck jumping tricks that are all the rage on Youtube these days.

He's really not all that talented though...

How so? He's a good, tough runner that can also catch the ball out of the backfield? Hits the whole hard/fast and runs with power. He also had a 70 yard pass catch for a TD last year.. not bad considering he had to break away from someone?

 

[switz]

Not a lot of love for Marion Barber in here? That man's been blessed with some awful strong legs. I'd love to see him try one of those pool or truck jumping tricks that are all the rage on Youtube these days.

He's really not all that talented though...

How so? He's a good, tough runner that can also catch the ball out of the backfield? Hits the whole hard/fast and runs with power. He also had a 70 yard pass catch for a TD last year.. not bad considering he had to break away from someone?

Barber has great balance, but he makes plays by merely running into people. He obviously has some talent, being in the NFL, but he's not elite. Did you watch him last year? Without getting spelled so he can absorb all the punishment of running into people, he can't play well. And running into people IMO isn't a talent.

 

[SSOG]

An elite physical talent poll that doesn't include LT, Brandon Jacobs, or Westbrook but includes Michael Bush? WTF is going on in this world

Great minds think alike...I was going to post a similar comment. I may be a home, but how Brandon Jacobs NOT included??

I'm not sure being a physical specimen is the same a being an elite talent. But that's subjective I guess... IMO big and fast != talent. Vision, agility, awareness, etc. = talent.

IMO, Vision and awareness = mental talents, along with patience, "instincts", etc. I also classify things like balance and proprioception as mental talents (although those two are definitely a grey area that could go either way). When I'm talking about elite PHYSICAL talents, I'm looking for speed, acceleration, burst, power, agility, and change of direction skills, with consideration given to raw physical size (so a 230 pound back who runs a 4.4 is more physically talented than a 210 pound back who runs a 4.4).

 

[Mark Wimer]

I'm pretty sure just about every RB in the NFL is an elite physical talent. That's why they're an RB in the NFL, and not a short order cook or somesuch.

It is true that all the athletes in the NFL are world class. Even the least-used, 3rd- or 4th stringer can create a jawdropping play from time to time. Samkon Gado, for example - he's not a "franchise" back, but he's capable of scoring a TD in the NFL. That's more than about 99.9% of the populace could ever do. However, there are definitely tiers within the elite ranks of the NFL. The below guys:Walter PaytonEarl CampbellRoger CraigMarshall Faulk Eddie George, and so forth... were uber studs in the NFL. Who among the current players might be mentioned with the above (truncated) group at the end of their careers? IMO,LaDainian TomlinsonAdrian PetersonDeAngelo Williams (if he keeps up last year's performance for several more years)Brian Westbrook (best dual-threat back in the last 10 years, IMO).Those 4 playing right now have the chance to land among the elite of all time, IMO. Tomlinson is probably already there, as is Westbrook. Peterson needs a few more seasons to land there. Williams needs several more astounding seasons, but has the talent, IMO. My .02.Guys who might (if they continue to produce at high levels) join the above 4 are Michael Turner and perhaps (if he regains his form) Larry Johnson. I'm fence sitting on these 2, though.

 

[kremenull]

For me, it comes down to a point of reference, or a measuring stick. An elite RB, IMO, is primarily based on instincts (vision, awareness, anticipation, patience, jukes/wiggle) and athleticism (strength/power, burst/acceleration, agility, top-end speed, balance), combined with the determination and drive to not be denied.

I think that this is a nice breakdown of the mental aspects (instincts) and physical aspects (athleticism). However, we should remember that someone can be an absolute physical beast, but still not succeed at the NFL level. Elite physical talent + minimal mental talent can lead to failure. Our greatest subjectivism is only considering those who have stood out statistically.

True indeed. There are certain intangibles that can't be measured by a stopwatch or seen by the naked eyes that also catapult players into the elite realm who aren't and/or weren't quite as physically gifted as some of the all-time greats, and maybe not as talented as even some of their own peers. Guys like Walter Payton and Emmitt Smith come to mind. They were physically talented, indeed, but what made them special is that they exhibited unrivaled work ethics, had tremendous heart and determination, were ultra-competitive, and were as mentally tough as anyone and they just plain understood (and loved) the game. Yes, no doubt, the mental aspects must be in place with the physical to ascend to the highest levels.

 

[SSOG]

However, there are definitely tiers within the elite ranks of the NFL. The below guys:Walter PaytonEarl CampbellRoger CraigMarshall Faulk Eddie George, and so forth... were uber studs in the NFL.

Did you seriously just mention Eddie George? A guy who only topped 4 yards per carry twice in his career (4.1 both times) and finished with an average of 3.6? Seriously?Most overrated RB in NFL history.

 

[GDogg]

I really like the intent of this post, as it poses a question attempting to provide insight into uncovering the characteristics of a great RB. I think the OP gave a pretty vague request, however, by simply stating "who are the elite physical talents" at the RB position. Without some sort of criteria, or "point of reference" from which to measure, you will certainly get varying opinions as to how people interpret the question. I like how SSOG broke it down into different categories, even though I disagree with several key points he made, Peterson is a physical marvel, on the level of just about any RB to ever play the game. Looking at many of the physical and instinctive traits critical to RBs, his size/speed/agility/overall athleticism/power/balance/vision combination is phenomenal.

For me, it comes down to a point of reference, or a measuring stick. An elite RB, IMO, is primarily based on instincts (vision, awareness, anticipation, patience, jukes/wiggle) and athleticism (strength/power, burst/acceleration, agility, top-end speed, balance), combined with the determination and drive to not be denied. The truly elite guys don't necessarily require the greatest of blocking, and they often have defenses stacked just to contain them, yet they still succeed to levels of greatness. They are what I deem "pure runners". It's not that easy to fully describe, but there is a quote from one of the greatest "pure runners" of all-time that sums it up quite nicely......."Just give me 6 inches of daylight, that's all I need" - Gale Sayers.

Back to my "point of reference", and for me, I ask the question, who are the guys who simply have the abilities to take it to the next level of performance, when all other things are pretty much considered equal? Give them an inch, they take chunks of yards, give them inches, they make "magic". My ultimate point of reference, or measuring stick, for "pure runners" is Barry Sanders.

One thing that I'll state is that I believe the elite athletes that rely mainly on true, brute force, I don't consider them to be elite physical talents, especially with regards to RBs in this category that I'm explaining, the "pure runners". So the Brandon Jacobs' of the world, nuh-uh.......

Other guys who I've seen mentioned in this discussion who couldn't crack my list are Steven Jackson, MB III, and Michael Bush. Again, no disrespect to any of these players, all fine football players and great athletes, but "pure runners" are special guys, born to run the football and they are electric with the ball in their hands.......And lastly, I do stress "game speed", you gotta be able to go the distance, otherwise, your upside is limited, IMO, and I think that the OP definitely intended for upside to be part of the criteria. Best "pure runners" in the game today, in order.....

1. Adrian Peterson......UNQUESTIONED, clear as the sky is blue. If you can't see this one, then you just don't know and probably never will.

2. DeAngelo Williams.....Yep, probably threw many of you for a loop here, but this kid is tremendous, makes something out of very little on a regular basis. One small caveat though, he is simply keeping the #2 spot warm for the next guy on my list

3. Felix Jones......One word, ELECTRIC!.....Once he hits the field this year barring a significant amount of missed time due to injury, even in a RBBC, he will shine as bright as anybody in the NFL. Barber will be regulated to 2nd fiddle by the end of the year, if not sooner. Don't be surprised to see close to 6ypc with 180+ carries, translation, 5.7 or better.

4. Chris Johnson....Unmatched burst/acceleration, but instincts, although Johnson's are very good and top-level, his are not on the level of the 3 guys listed above him, and that is why they are ranked higher here.

5. (tie) MJD.......Pocket Hercules is a scoring machine, a little ball of dynamite who is extremely tough to tackle and ultra-instinctive. But another thing that I question with regards to earlier comments is the sub-4.40 40 attribute. I really doubt this, and even if it's true, his game speed does NOT reflect a sub 4.40 40. In comparison to Felix, who clocked a 4.44 or so, Felix plays much faster than MJD. Not a knock on MJD, just a realization and one reason for the given rankings.

Larry Johnson (LJ).....Surprise! Again, the mantra is "pure runner", and even now, LJ still has "it". "It" may not reflect in his final statistical numbers this year, but the guy still can run like few others. If given the carries, he will get the yards at a very nice clip. From what I witnessed on film last season, the guy still has the vision, cuts, balance, and most importantly to keep him on this list, the burst/acceleration. After this season, he may fall out of these ranks, but who knows what's in store for LJ this year? It's all about the touches, the talent is still there in spades....

Well, I'll stop right here and with all due respect to some greats still playing who would've easily made this list only a couple of years ago, LT, Westbrook, and Fred Taylor, this is not a legacy list. This is about right now, and going forward from this point who I believe have the "goods" to take it to the next level of performance.

He ran a sub-4.4 at the NFL combine. And, if you don't think his game speed reflects that, then I'm not sure what you're looking at. He never gets caught from behind, he beats the defense to the corner and when the Jags were in desperate need of a big play on special teams, they threw Drew back to return kicks and punts. He plays as fast as any player in the league and he's been doing it for three seasons now.

 

[Mark Wimer]

However, there are definitely tiers within the elite ranks of the NFL. The below guys:

Walter Payton

Earl Campbell

Roger Craig

Marshall Faulk

Eddie George,

and so forth... were uber studs in the NFL.

Did you seriously just mention Eddie George? A guy who only topped 4 yards per carry twice in his career (4.1 both times) and finished with an average of 3.6? Seriously?Most overrated RB in NFL history.

141 games played 136 starts 2865/10441/68 rushing 268/2227/10 receiving Heck Yeah I listed Eddie George. 141 games and 78 total TDs is uber-stud territory for me. So what with the 3.6? - the guy was THE rushing offense for the Titans throughout their formative period. He averaged 341 carries per season (not including his final, sunset, year in DAL - in his time with HOU/TEN I'm talking) - averaged 8.3 yards per catch for his career and carried the ball a minim of 312 times for 8 straight years (starting 16 games those 8 years) and had 403/1509/14 rushing + 50/453/2 receiving in 2000.

Overrated? I think we have different touchstones when evaluating a career. George was an iron-man, an utterly reliable fantasy pick, and the face of his franchise in the time he was in the league.

 

[UnknownCoach]

For fantasy purposes... Jones-Drew. Short and extremely built in the lower body. Short RBs are less natural blockers and get lower valuations by scouts. Yet they are often more evasive, fun to watch, more durable, and more likely to run a passing route. Drew's body is really huge for its height and the bulk of that muscle is in his legs and hips... where it counts the most.

For NFL coaches... Jacobs or McFadden depending if you want power or speed. Tall backs have some natural advantages that scouts like that dont show up on stat sheets. Long arms are good for blocking and reaching. Big hands are good for holding onto the ball. A tall body is good for falling forward. Jacobs is the league's biggest, tallest bruiser with speed that rivals most starting tailbacks. McFadden's speed is right with the very fastest, he's got ideal height and a strong upper body. Yet because Jacobs is so tall and heavy and McFadden doesnt have big legs, neither has a heavy workload type of appearance.

Other RBs might be better all-around backs or workhorses, but if you want physically gifted guys... those three stick out.

For an ideal prototypical blend of NFL size and speed, guys like AP and Ronnie Brown are two ideal examples. Yet they barely stand out from the pack physically. AP has just about elite speed and great size in the most important places (lower body muscle and height) but overall his size is close to average. Brown has prototype combination of power, speed, and height, but isnt even really close to being at an elite level in any one place physically.

A prototypical fantasy back example would be DWill. He's just a little shorter than scouts like but still has great muscle and speed.

A fantasy sleeper is Ray Rice. Downplayed by scouts because of his short height and doubted by fantasy players (including myself initially) because he intentionally lost weight for the combine last year. Short backs with great muscle and speed usually lack only in opportunity.

 

[C-Bound]

Turner. He proving unstoppable this preseason.

 

[ninerfanatic492000]

Lendale White and TJ Duckett. It's an amazing talent to be an NFL running back while being that fat.

Honestly, though, you're going to get a vast discrepancy in answers depending on what talent people value.

Strength - Jacobs, Barber, Lynch

Speed - Peterson, McFadden, Felix Jones

Agility - Tomlinson, Westbrook, Bush, DeAngelo Williams

There are so many right answers.

Lynch is a beast. I have never seen anyone not go down on first contact better than him. He doesn't have great speed and sometimes he has poor vision, but he can turn a 2 yard run into 9 yards just on determination.

Westbrook has great balance and load center of gravity and always takes great angles.

Peterson has the speed, but he is not great as an inside runner so he can be stopped.

Jacobs - good center of gravity for a big man.

so i take it u've never seen a highlight of Jim Brown/Walter Payton/Earl Campbell/Larry Czonka? i might scour the nfl films vault to see if they actually have a clip of Earl ever going down upon first contact. the contact Earl made went beyond the player he hit.........like the defender had to 'contact' a physician or trainer as soon as they were helped off the fieldeven tho Fred is aging he's still a phenominal athlete, he is still THE prototype of size/speed/agility and sickening moves. his health is/was a totally different story. Barry Sanders was quoted saying Fred was the most physically gifted RB he had ever seen, high praise from a guy who knew a thing bout such gifts.

whoever mentioned Chris Brown is correct, the guy was(i think injuries have sapped him quite a bit) a freakish athletico combo. his brain and health prolly weren't on par. if he like many RB's ever learned to get his pads down and not run so upright he'd had faired far better. while at colorado he had some of the most jaw dropping performance one could ever see.

some players are extremely versatile but i wouldn't say they are freakish athletes. guys like Tiki/faulk or Westy just have "it" that made them special.

Jamal Lewis 2000-2003 or so had incredible physical talents. so many operations and hits have reduced him to barely adequate. anf of course the 370curse during that one hellacious year he had has merit.

Ricky as well had insane physical gifts, but once again there were some other area's where he may have been lacking.

of current palyers the easy choices are AP and Chris Johnson. i like many still remain somewhat skeptical of Mcfadden. Reggie has elite speed/burst/agility but has has hardly any vision/patience/durability at all as a RB..........different story when he gets the ball in space(then he's f-in scary). LT is a year or 2 past elite.

jacobs is a monster and imposing as they get. don't think he fully understand how to fully use his power yet. seems like he should be landing more players on IR when he's at full steam.

another RB thats not elite but to me is a very very smooth athlete for his size is Derrick Ward. when u watch him and watch his movement u would never think that this guy was near 230lbs. i mean he was the great compliment/COP to jacobs(power) and ward himself is near 230 which puts him in the beefier tier of RB's.

 

[kremenull]

I really like the intent of this post, as it poses a question attempting to provide insight into uncovering the characteristics of a great RB. I think the OP gave a pretty vague request, however, by simply stating "who are the elite physical talents" at the RB position. Without some sort of criteria, or "point of reference" from which to measure, you will certainly get varying opinions as to how people interpret the question. I like how SSOG broke it down into different categories, even though I disagree with several key points he made, Peterson is a physical marvel, on the level of just about any RB to ever play the game. Looking at many of the physical and instinctive traits critical to RBs, his size/speed/agility/overall athleticism/power/balance/vision combination is phenomenal.

For me, it comes down to a point of reference, or a measuring stick. An elite RB, IMO, is primarily based on instincts (vision, awareness, anticipation, patience, jukes/wiggle) and athleticism (strength/power, burst/acceleration, agility, top-end speed, balance), combined with the determination and drive to not be denied. The truly elite guys don't necessarily require the greatest of blocking, and they often have defenses stacked just to contain them, yet they still succeed to levels of greatness. They are what I deem "pure runners". It's not that easy to fully describe, but there is a quote from one of the greatest "pure runners" of all-time that sums it up quite nicely......."Just give me 6 inches of daylight, that's all I need" - Gale Sayers.

Back to my "point of reference", and for me, I ask the question, who are the guys who simply have the abilities to take it to the next level of performance, when all other things are pretty much considered equal? Give them an inch, they take chunks of yards, give them inches, they make "magic". My ultimate point of reference, or measuring stick, for "pure runners" is Barry Sanders.

One thing that I'll state is that I believe the elite athletes that rely mainly on true, brute force, I don't consider them to be elite physical talents, especially with regards to RBs in this category that I'm explaining, the "pure runners". So the Brandon Jacobs' of the world, nuh-uh.......

Other guys who I've seen mentioned in this discussion who couldn't crack my list are Steven Jackson, MB III, and Michael Bush. Again, no disrespect to any of these players, all fine football players and great athletes, but "pure runners" are special guys, born to run the football and they are electric with the ball in their hands.......And lastly, I do stress "game speed", you gotta be able to go the distance, otherwise, your upside is limited, IMO, and I think that the OP definitely intended for upside to be part of the criteria. Best "pure runners" in the game today, in order.....

1. Adrian Peterson......UNQUESTIONED, clear as the sky is blue. If you can't see this one, then you just don't know and probably never will.

2. DeAngelo Williams.....Yep, probably threw many of you for a loop here, but this kid is tremendous, makes something out of very little on a regular basis. One small caveat though, he is simply keeping the #2 spot warm for the next guy on my list

3. Felix Jones......One word, ELECTRIC!.....Once he hits the field this year barring a significant amount of missed time due to injury, even in a RBBC, he will shine as bright as anybody in the NFL. Barber will be regulated to 2nd fiddle by the end of the year, if not sooner. Don't be surprised to see close to 6ypc with 180+ carries, translation, 5.7 or better.

4. Chris Johnson....Unmatched burst/acceleration, but instincts, although Johnson's are very good and top-level, his are not on the level of the 3 guys listed above him, and that is why they are ranked higher here.

5. (tie) MJD.......Pocket Hercules is a scoring machine, a little ball of dynamite who is extremely tough to tackle and ultra-instinctive. But another thing that I question with regards to earlier comments is the sub-4.40 40 attribute. I really doubt this, and even if it's true, his game speed does NOT reflect a sub 4.40 40. In comparison to Felix, who clocked a 4.44 or so, Felix plays much faster than MJD. Not a knock on MJD, just a realization and one reason for the given rankings.

Larry Johnson (LJ).....Surprise! Again, the mantra is "pure runner", and even now, LJ still has "it". "It" may not reflect in his final statistical numbers this year, but the guy still can run like few others. If given the carries, he will get the yards at a very nice clip. From what I witnessed on film last season, the guy still has the vision, cuts, balance, and most importantly to keep him on this list, the burst/acceleration. After this season, he may fall out of these ranks, but who knows what's in store for LJ this year? It's all about the touches, the talent is still there in spades....

Well, I'll stop right here and with all due respect to some greats still playing who would've easily made this list only a couple of years ago, LT, Westbrook, and Fred Taylor, this is not a legacy list. This is about right now, and going forward from this point who I believe have the "goods" to take it to the next level of performance.

He ran a sub-4.4 at the NFL combine. And, if you don't think his game speed reflects that, then I'm not sure what you're looking at. He never gets caught from behind, he beats the defense to the corner and when the Jags were in desperate need of a big play on special teams, they threw Drew back to return kicks and punts. He plays as fast as any player in the league and he's been doing it for three seasons now.

You know what, you guys are probably right on the sub 4.40 speed translating. And I have nothing but admiration for MJD, he did make this list and that is not easy to do, I'm a pretty tough critic. My bad, I stand corrected. However, I do know this. He doesn't play as fast as Felix. So somebody either needs to get another stopwatch time on Felix or he simply kicks it into another gear on gameday. 'Cause I see that he is clearly faster on the field than MJD. Again, not a knock on MJD, just a realization.

 

[Cookiemonster]

Part of the reason I don't put much credence in 40 yard dash times, is that for one, it can be coached. I've seen fast players put up poor 40 times because their form sucks. Secondly, some players carry their pads better than others. Have two guys race in shorts, then the same two guys race in pads and you could very well have a different winner for both races.

 

[SSOG]

You know what, you guys are probably right on the sub 4.40 speed translating. And I have nothing but admiration for MJD, he did make this list and that is not easy to do, I'm a pretty tough critic. My bad, I stand corrected. However, I do know this. He doesn't play as fast as Felix. So somebody either needs to get another stopwatch time on Felix or he simply kicks it into another gear on gameday. 'Cause I see that he is clearly faster on the field than MJD. Again, not a knock on MJD, just a realization.

Nobody plays as fast as Felix, except for Chris Johnson. Still, MJD's "football speed" is still top-10 in the NFL, and he packs a lot more power than either Felix of Chris. MJD's had some highlight-reel speed plays (especially his rookie year- he hasn't gotten into as many footraces the past two seasons).

 

[PahtyTom]

Brandon Jacobs is a once in a blue moon athlete at rb to do what he does at almost 270 lbs.

 

[underdogx3]

Turner???

 

[money.never.sleeps]

You know what, you guys are probably right on the sub 4.40 speed translating. And I have nothing but admiration for MJD, he did make this list and that is not easy to do, I'm a pretty tough critic. My bad, I stand corrected. However, I do know this. He doesn't play as fast as Felix. So somebody either needs to get another stopwatch time on Felix or he simply kicks it into another gear on gameday. 'Cause I see that he is clearly faster on the field than MJD. Again, not a knock on MJD, just a realization.

Nobody plays as fast as Felix, except for Chris Johnson. Still, MJD's "football speed" is still top-10 in the NFL, and he packs a lot more power than either Felix of Chris. MJD's had some highlight-reel speed plays (especially his rookie year- he hasn't gotten into as many footraces the past two seasons).

MJD doesnt appear that fast but he just moves and is quick. Felix is also in that same cat.. Guys that when they hit that corner are all sudden into the secondary.Yea, few years ago Portis had that game breaker speed like no one else. To bad his ankles, knees and everything else have gotten to him.1st carry as a skin I believe he took it to the house on the right side off RG vs. TB. Big time game breaker.

 

[JamesTheScot]

I'm pretty sure just about every RB in the NFL is an elite physical talent. That's why they're an RB in the NFL, and not a short order cook or somesuch.

This.I especially love the ambiguity in the qualifications. MJD is but D.Williams isn't? Love to see some objective measurables to flesh out what makes an elite athlete rather than just an ole ordinary athlete.Laughable.

 

[SSOG]

I'm pretty sure just about every RB in the NFL is an elite physical talent. That's why they're an RB in the NFL, and not a short order cook or somesuch.

This.I especially love the ambiguity in the qualifications. MJD is but D.Williams isn't? Love to see some objective measurables to flesh out what makes an elite athlete rather than just an ole ordinary athlete.Laughable.

Let's start here: Maurice Jones-Drew has a higher BMI and ran a sub-4.4 forty at the combine. DeAngelo Williams has a lower BMI and ran a 4.55 forty.If you want some objective measurables... any RB that runs a legit sub-4.3 has elite speed (Chris Johnson, Felix Jones, Darren McFadden). Any RB around 230+ LBs that runs a sub-4.5 has elite speed given their size (Steven Jackson, Ronnie Brown, Jonathan Stewart). Maurice Jones-Drew is an elite talent because, while he's not 230 pounds, he's got the BMI of a 230lb back (5'8"/205 is built similarly to 6'2"/230), and he still runs a 4.4. Jones-Drew also has the most powerful legs in the league.

 

[LarryAllen'sJockstrap]

I'm pretty sure just about every RB in the NFL is an elite physical talent. That's why they're an RB in the NFL, and not a short order cook or somesuch.

This.I especially love the ambiguity in the qualifications. MJD is but D.Williams isn't? Love to see some objective measurables to flesh out what makes an elite athlete rather than just an ole ordinary athlete.

Laughable.

Let's start here: Maurice Jones-Drew has a higher BMI and ran a sub-4.4 forty at the combine. DeAngelo Williams has a lower BMI and ran a 4.55 forty.If you want some objective measurables... any RB that runs a legit sub-4.3 has elite speed (Chris Johnson, Felix Jones, Darren McFadden). Any RB around 230+ LBs that runs a sub-4.5 has elite speed given their size (Steven Jackson, Ronnie Brown, Jonathan Stewart). Maurice Jones-Drew is an elite talent because, while he's not 230 pounds, he's got the BMI of a 230lb back (5'8"/205 is built similarly to 6'2"/230), and he still runs a 4.4. Jones-Drew also has the most powerful legs in the league.

Even in high heels, MJD wouldn't be 5'8". He's 5'6".

 

[DropKick]

When looking at running backs, especially after around the 4th round or so, it's all about talent. I would rather take a shot on a guy with talent over a guy with situation at that point. So who would you consider the truly elite athletes at the RB position?

In their primes, LT and Fred Taylor would lead my list. Marshall Faulk is up their too (surprised not to see him mentioned), with his remarkable versatility. There are also gifted power backs (ala Jacobs) and speed backs (ala Johnson) and others with stand-out characteristics. But, is your goal to debate that? When I read the original post, I thought the intent was to target guys from the 4th round down. In another word, "sleepers", with the premise of favoring ability over immediate opportunity.Given the obvious fantasy implications, this is more interesting to me. Who are the backups with above average or better physical tools that could perform very well if given the opportunity?

 

[IHEARTFF]

When looking at running backs, especially after around the 4th round or so, it's all about talent. I would rather take a shot on a guy with talent over a guy with situation at that point. So who would you consider the truly elite athletes at the RB position?

In their primes, LT and Fred Taylor would lead my list. Marshall Faulk is up their too (surprised not to see him mentioned), with his remarkable versatility. There are also gifted power backs (ala Jacobs) and speed backs (ala Johnson) and others with stand-out characteristics. But, is your goal to debate that? When I read the original post, I thought the intent was to target guys from the 4th round down. In another word, "sleepers", with the premise of favoring ability over immediate opportunity.Given the obvious fantasy implications, this is more interesting to me. Who are the backups with above average or better physical tools that could perform very well if given the opportunity?

Guys you can get 4th round and lower with potentially elite skills:McFadden (42)Lynch (46)J Stewart (58)LJ (59)R Bush (66)Moreno (67)Rice (75) Felix (99)B Scott (170)