Running backs are in a precarious position right now, as the league values them a lot less than the players believe they are worth. Still, the league appreciates the best of the best at the position, even if there are fewer than there used to be.
As is the case every year, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler is releasing the top players at each position, as voted on by NFL executives, coaches and scouts. While fans might think 49ers back Christian McCaffrey is the best, the league has a different name at the top.
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According to Fowler, those within the league voted Browns running back Nick Chubb as the best in the business. The 27-year-old who is entering his sixth season, was ranked third last year and has totaled at least 996 rushing yards in every year since he was drafted. Last year, Chubb had a career high 1,525 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns on 302 attempts, proving to be a rare three-down back.
McCaffrey takes the spot at No. 2 after he had a strong season playing for both the Panthers and 49ers. Then, Josh Jacobs and Saquon Barkley are third and fourth, which is notable since both players are negotiating new contracts while currently on the franchise tag. Jacobs led the league in rushing last season with the Raiders, while Barkley had a bounce back season helping lead the Giants back to the playoffs.
Titans running back Derrick Henry, who was No. 1 last year, rounds out the top five, as he is coming off a bit of a down season in Tennessee.
