ESPN, NFL coaches, executives rank Top 10 running backs for 2023

ESPN put out its latest set of NFL positional rankings, based on a survey of executives, coaches, players and other NFL personnel. On Friday, it was running backs getting the spotlight.

Despite the broader devaluation of the position, having one of the top-shelf running backs in the NFL is still a big boost. An elite running back makes your football team better week-to-week, positional value be damned.

And there’s currently no shortage of supremely talented ball carriers in the NFL. Here’s how the ESPN survey ranked them out.

1. Nick Chubb, Cleveland Browns running back

Chubb climbed into the top spot of these rankings after clocking in at No. 3 a year ago. Among the survey, his lowest ranking was No. 6. It’d be hard to rank such a complete package much lower.

With a blend of speed, power, contact balance and pass catching acumen, there isn’t much that Chubb cannot do. Chubb finished third in the NFL in rushing yards in 2022 and should have even more opportunity in 2023 with Kareem Hunt no longer in the backfield.

2. Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco 49ers

McCaffrey changed teams midway through 2022, getting traded from the Carolina Panthers to San Francisco. And the marriage of McCaffrey and Kyle Shanahan’s offensive system worked gangbusters down the stretch.

McCaffrey earned some first place votes in this exercise and didn’t come in lower than No. 8 — and he climbed to No. 2 from No. 7 a year ago. A full, healthy year as the lead back for the 49ers should only help McCaffrey’s claim to be the best running back in the NFL.

3. Josh Jacobs, Las Vegas Raiders running back

Jacobs bet on himself in a big way in 2022, playing for Las Vegas during a contract year and leading the NFL in rushing. Fitting for the Vegas running back to cash in on his big bet. And he rose from an honorable mention ahead of 2022 to No. 3 this year, even earning at least one first place vote.

He’s still searching for a long-term deal from the Raiders, who franchise tagged Jacobs after 2022. He reportedly won’t report to training camp without a new deal, setting a stage for a major standoff.

4. Saquon Barkley, New York Giants

Much like Jacobs, Barkley is in the market for a new deal and not happy with where the Giants have been with their salary figures so far. Barkley finally got healthy in 2022 and rose from an honorable mention to No. 4 overall and a first place vote getter.

The Giants will certainly want to retain his services after paying up for quarterback Daniel Jones. Much like Jacobs and the Raiders, negotiations between the Giants and Barkley will be under intense scrutiny as New York tries to retain their crown jewel on offense.

5. Derrick Henry, Tennessee Titans running back

Henry is likely officially on the descent from a run as one of, if not the best running back in all of football. Even with that in mind, he’s a physical force and will likely be the center of the Titans offense yet again, although he probably won’t be churning out monster 2000-yard seasons again.

After ranking No. 1 in 2022, Henry’s highest overall vote put him at No. 2. He was no lower than No. 7, though, and even a step back would still have Henry among the best, most punishing backs in the NFL.

6. Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts

Taylor had a deeply disappointing 2022 campaign, mostly because injuries kept him from the field. That was enough to drop him from No. 2 last year to No. 6 this year. He got some second-place votes again and was as low as No. 10.

The talent is undeniable, but Taylor, along with the injuries, languished as the Colts offense struggled. In a new offense with a running quarterback in Anthony Richardson beside him, 2023 should give Taylor plenty of opportunity to climb back up the list.

7. Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints running back

Kamara has been one of the most productive pass-catching running backs since he entered the NFL in 2017. He’s never had a 1000 yard rushing season, but he’s never been below 700 yards and he averages more than 600 receiving yards a season.

His receiving figures dipped in 2021 and 2022 as the Saints struggled at quarterback. But with Derek Carr on board, those numbers should climb. Kamara was No. 5 in this exercise last year, but saw some minor slippage; he was as high up as No. 3 and as low as unranked.

8. Dalvin Cook, free agent

Cook, like Kamara, is viewed in a bit of a polar fashion. Ranked as high as No. 3 and as low as unranked, the biggest question about his 2023 outlook remains: Where will he play?

After getting cut by the retooling Minnesota Vikings — he has a massive cap hit — several places has emerged as landing spots for Cook. His place in these rankings next year probably hinges heavily on where he choses to play in 2023.

9. Tony Pollard, Dallas Cowboys running back

Pollard’s exact role with the Cowboys minus Ezekiel Elliott is yet to be fleshed out, but it’s a safe bet it’s bigger than it’s been. And with game changing playmaking ability as a receiver and runner, Pollard cracked this ranking for the first time.

After being unranked last year, he was voted as high as No. 4 by some in the poll. He’ll have a chance to establish himself as a premiere backfield playmaker in 2023.

10. Austin Ekeler, Los Angeles Chargers

After getting an honorable mention in 2022, Ekeler has cracked the Top 10, mostly due to eye-watering production. He finished tied for second in the NFL with 13 rushing touchdowns in 2022.

He tried to make his way out from Los Angeles this offseason but ended up back in the fold alongside Justin Herbert. Adept as a pass catcher and solid enough to hold up with a heavy workload, Ekeler is as solid as they come — plus, he drafts himself in fantasy football, incentivizing himself to score.

Recap and honorable mentions

Ekeler, Pollard and Cook closed out this list over a constellation of talented, productive NFL running backs who could’ve comfortably been in the Top 10. This time next year, all three could’ve dropped out — or move up the list. They’ll be pushed by the running backs who missed out on the Top 10.

Green Bay’s Aaron Jones, Houston’s Dameon Pierce, New York’s Breece Hall, Jacksonville’s Travis Etienne, New England’s Rhamondre Stevenson and Seattle’s Kenneth Walker III were all chosen as honorable mentions. A number of other running backs also got some votes. The positional value might be down, but the talent and skill at the position is plenty good.