Bijan Robinson lists his top 5 running backs in the NFL
NFL running backs may have a bad rap when it comes to their worth. But Bijan Robinson, in naming his top five, pointed to the value each brought to their team.
Robinson, the former Texas Longhorn, was the top back selected last April with the Falcons taking him with the eighth pick of the draft. The Lions followed four picks later with Alabama’s Jahmyr Gibbs. And after Robinson finished his rookie season, he got to see first-hand who the best backs were in the league.
During a recent interview with Complex Sports, Robinson spoke about the value backs bring to an offense. And yes, he named his top five with the caveat he could not pick himself.
Christian McCaffrey, 49ers. The San Francisco star earns the most of any running back in the NFL. And it is probably not a coincidence that he led the league in rushing, while guiding the 49ers to the Super Bowl.
Breece Hall, Jets The former Iowa State star didn’t rush for 1,000. But as he bounced back from a knee injury, Hall gained 994 yards. Plus, the Jets never had a steady quarterback after Aaron Rodgers ruptured his Achilles on the opening series of the season.
Kyren Williams, Rams Like Hall, Williams is from the 2022 draft class, He gained 1,144 yards last fall, which was third-best in the NFL.
Derrick Henry, Titans. Bijan Robinson couldn’t leave off King Henry. The Titans star finished second in the NFL with 1,167 yards. It’ll be interesting to see what happens to Henry this off-season. He’ll be a free agent.
Jahmyr Gibbs, Lions. Robinson selected his fellow rookie in his personal top five. Gibbs made the Pro Bowl and helped lead Detroit to the NFC title game. A strong running game still pays huge dividends.
So do you agree or disagree with Bijan Robinson’s best five backs in the league?
So here’s Bijan Robinson’s explanation.
“Obviously, there’s so many great running backs but I’m trying to chase the Christian McCaffrey’s,” Robinson said. “I’m trying to chase those guys because they just do it all the right way. And they do it in a way that is entertaining to watch…. “So I’m trying to be right there at that level. But I just know that just me putting in the work and trusting in God that I’ll be at that level.”
And about the importance of the running game. Bijan Robinson is hoping his new coach, Raheem Morris, believes in one. All he has to do is look around the league to see which teams succeeded.
“You have to have a strong run game to be successful,” Robinson said. “You want a running back that can take over games. … that you can rely on to be the guy for the offense. When it comes down to it’s whatever scheme you’re in. I feel like a lot of running backs aren’t replaceable and if you find the right dude, then you go with him for a very long time.”