PFF Grades for All 32 NFL Teams’ Projected Starting Running Backs
The NFL season is right around the corner, and everyone is itching to see which teams will rise to the top. One of the most exciting aspects of the upcoming season is the emergence of new talents and the continued dominance of established stars. Pro Football Focus (PFF) has released their grades for all 32 NFL teams’ projected starting running backs, giving us a glimpse into the backfields that are poised to make a major impact. This ranking will help you get a better feel for which teams have the best running backs in the league. It’s important to remember that these are just projections, and there’s always a chance for surprises throughout the season. Let’s take a deep dive into the PFF grades and see who stands out!
- The San Francisco 49ers have the best running back room in the NFL, with Christian McCaffrey leading the pack with a PFF grade of 90.3.
- McCaffrey is known for his dynamic and well-rounded skill set, excelling in running, receiving, and special teams play.
- Other teams like the Dallas Cowboys also boast talented running back duos, such as Tony Pollard and Ezekiel Elliott.
- PFF grades provide insights into which teams have strong rushing attacks and potential contenders for top honors in the league.
- While these are projections, surprises can always happen throughout the NFL season, keeping fans on their toes.
San Francisco 49ers: The Reigning Champions
The San Francisco 49ers are no strangers to success and for good reason. The Niners have the best running back room in the NFL, according to PFF. Their star back, Christian McCaffrey, tops the list with a PFF grade of 90.3. He’s widely considered to be one of the most dynamic and well-rounded running backs in the league, capable of ripping off big runs, catching passes out of the backfield, and making an impact on special teams.
McCaffrey is joined in the backfield by Elijah Mitchell, who boasts a PFF grade of 70.2. Mitchell is a powerful runner and a reliable option for the Niners. The duo forms a formidable force, giving the Niners a potent rushing attack. This dynamic duo is complemented by the presence of stars like Nick Bosa (Edge) and Maliek Collins (DI) who also represent a formidable force for the San Francisco 49ers. The Niners have a strong core of players. Their talent and depth make them a serious contender for the Lombardi Trophy again this year.
The Top Contenders
The San Francisco 49ers are not the only team with a talented backfield. Several other teams have players who could be in the running for the league’s best running back honors. The next team on the list is the Dallas Cowboys, boasting a skilled running back duo of Tony Pollard and Ezekiel Elliott. Pollard, in particular, has gotten a ton of buzz leading into the new season, and he is expected to have a monster year. The Cowboys have a strong offensive line and a dynamic passing game, so the running backs should have plenty of opportunities to make big plays. It’s going to be exciting to see if the Cowboys can build upon their stellar performance from last season.
The Kansas City Chiefs are another team with a potent running back unit. Their backfield is led by the elusive Isiah Pacheco, a breakout star from last year. Pacheco is known for his speed, agility, and ability to make defenders miss. He’s also a capable receiver, making him a valuable asset in the Chiefs’ offensive scheme. Pacheco is supported by the veteran presence of Jerick McKinnon, who adds a much-needed element of experience and leadership to the Chiefs’ backfield. The Chiefs have one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL, so their running backs have the potential to put up huge numbers this season. There’s a real possibility the Chiefs could make a run at a second consecutive Super Bowl.
The Dark Horses
While the top teams have gotten most of the attention, there are several teams with backfields that could surprise some people. The Baltimore Ravens have a talented young running back in J.K. Dobbins, who is poised to have a breakout season. Dobbins missed most of the 2022 season with injuries, but he’s fully healthy and ready to show what he can do. He’s a powerful runner with great speed and agility. If Dobbins can stay healthy, the Ravens could have one of the best rushing attacks in the NFL.
The Los Angeles Chargers have a talented running back duo in Austin Ekeler and Joshua Kelley. Ekeler is a dynamic player who can make plays both in the running and passing game. He’s a nightmare for defenses to contain. Kelley is a solid runner who can provide a change of pace. The Chargers have a high-powered offense, so their running backs have the potential to put up big numbers. With the combination of Ekeler and Kelley, the Chargers should have a lot of success on the ground this year.
The Challengers
The New York Jets have a young and talented running back in Breece Hall. Hall showed flashes of brilliance last season before suffering a season-ending injury. He’s a powerful runner with great speed and agility. If Hall can stay healthy, he has the potential to be one of the best running backs in the league. The Jets have a strong offensive line, so Hall should have plenty of opportunities to make big plays. The Jets are a team on the rise, and their running game could be a major factor in their success.
The Atlanta Falcons are another team with a young and talented running back in Bijan Robinson. Robinson is a highly-touted rookie who is expected to make an immediate impact. He’s a powerful runner with great speed and agility. The Falcons have a strong offensive line, so Robinson should have plenty of opportunities to make big plays. There’s a possibility the Falcons could surprise people this season, and Robinson could be a major factor in their success.
A Closer Look at the PFF Grades
Now, let’s take a closer look at the PFF grades and what they mean. PFF uses a 100-point grading system to evaluate players based on a variety of factors. A grade of 90 or above is considered elite, while a grade of 85 or above is considered Pro Bowler-caliber. A grade of 70 or above is considered a starter-level player. So, when we see Christian McCaffrey with a PFF grade of 90.3, it’s clear that he’s considered one of the best running backs in the league.
It’s important to note that PFF grades are just one data point, and they shouldn’t be the only factor you consider when evaluating players. Other factors, such as scheme fit, quarterback play, and offensive line play, can also have a big impact on a running back’s success. But, PFF grades can provide a good starting point for understanding a player’s strengths and weaknesses.
For example, let’s take a look at Alvin Kamara. Kamara has a PFF grade of 75.2, which is still a solid grade, but not as high as some of the other top running backs. However, Kamara has a proven track record of success, and he’s a key part of the Saints’ offense. So, while his PFF grade might not be as high as some of the other top running backs, it’s still a good indication that he’s a valuable player.
The Colts and Jonathan Taylor
Another interesting name that comes up when we talk about the PFF grades is Jonathan Taylor. Taylor has a PFF grade of 81.8, which is a very respectable grade. He’s a strong runner with great speed and agility. Taylor has the potential to be one of the best running backs in the league. Taylor’s situation in Indianapolis is a bit murky, though. He is coming off of a year where the Colts struggled mightily, and there are questions surrounding his future in Indiana. The Colts have a new coaching staff in place, and it remains to be seen how Taylor will fit into their offensive scheme. If Taylor can stay healthy and get a good amount of touches, he will be a star, and he will make a real impact in the league this year.
Conclusion
The PFF grades for all 32 NFL teams’ projected starting running backs give us a glimpse into the backfields that are poised to make a major impact in the upcoming season. While these grades are just one data point, they can provide a good starting point for understanding a player’s strengths and weaknesses. There are several talented running backs in the league, and it’s going to be exciting to see who emerges as the best of the best.
Be sure to stay tuned to PFF for more in-depth analysis and rankings as the season progresses. And let’s get ready for an exciting season of football filled with thrilling runs, amazing catches, and heart-stopping plays.
