The NFL’s Top Running Backs: McCaffrey, Hall, and Chubb Lead the Pack
The 2024 NFL season is just around the corner, and coaches, executives, and scouts are weighing in on the league’s top running backs. In a survey conducted by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, nearly 80 league insiders ranked the best tailbacks in the league, and the results are in.
San Francisco 49ers star Christian McCaffrey was voted the top running back in the NFL.
Christian McCaffrey, the star running back of the San Francisco 49ers, earned the top spot on the list, with New York Jets tailback Breece Hall coming in second. Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb and new Philadelphia Eagles tailback Saquon Barkley rounded out the top four, with Jonathan Taylor of the Indianapolis Colts completing the top five.
“He does everything exceptionally,” a veteran NFL offensive coach said about McCaffrey. “Explosiveness, vision, technique, versatility, great teammate, hardest worker, dedicated in the offseason. The only thing holding him back was when he was hurt. But he’s exactly how you would draw up a football player.”
McCaffrey’s impressive resume speaks for itself. He earned his first Offensive Player of the Year award in 2023, racking up 2,023 total yards from scrimmage. He also concluded a streak of 17 consecutive games with a touchdown in Week 8, tying an NFL record.
McCaffrey’s playoff performance helped the 49ers make a Super Bowl appearance.
In the postseason, McCaffrey racked up 268 rushing yards and 152 receiving yards in three playoff games, helping the 49ers make a Super Bowl appearance.
Breece Hall, on the other hand, is poised for a breakout season with Aaron Rodgers back under center. He recorded 994 rush yards in 2023 and is also a threat as a receiver, hauling in 76 receptions for 591 yards and four touchdowns.
“Natural rusher with acceleration through the hole,” a high-ranking NFL official said about Hall. “He’s got power and can create his own shot by making someone miss.”
Nick Chubb, who held the No. 1 ranking among league personnel heading into the 2023 season, is looking to bounce back from a severe knee injury that ended his year. He appeared to be on the verge of his fifth straight Pro Bowl campaign before the injury, racking up 170 yards on 28 carries.
Chubb’s knee injury ended his season prematurely.
As the Browns attempt to build on their 11-6 record in 2023, a bounce-back season from Chubb could help them make consecutive playoff appearances for the first time since 1989.
The 2024 NFL season promises to be an exciting one, with these top running backs leading the charge. Who will come out on top?
