NFL starting running backs: Maurice Jones-Drew ranks top ball carriers in 2024

Maurice Jones-Drew, a former league star and current NFL Network analyst, knows his top running backs. And now that the start of the season is only weeks away, he provides everyone a scorecard.

And fans especially need a list of the top backs because so many in the NFL switched zip codes. Almost one-third of Jones-Drew’s top 10 swapped teams in the off season.

But you’ll know the names, even if they’ve donned new jerseys. Several of them have united with dual-threat quarterbacks, so maybe we all can expect some big stats. So let’s take a look at how Jones-Drew ranks all the projected starters.

1. Christian McCaffrey 49ers

Maybe McCaffrey should set his sights on NFL MVP, not just the top offensive player or running back. He was a key reason the 49ers earned a spot in last season’s Super Bowl.

Jones-Drew says of McCaffrey: “Spot at the top of this list should be no surprise. The veteran just ran his team to the Super Bowl, earning Offensive Player of the Year honors along the way. Fresh off signing a two-year, $38 million extension, CMC is the ultimate offensive weapon for Kyle Shanahan, as evidenced by his superb production since joining the 49ers midway through the 2022 season. He’s currently dealing with a calf strain but should continue being one of the top playmakers in the NFL once he’s healthy.

2. Derrick Henry Ravens

Most folks believe a change in scenery is only going to make Henry more formidable. After all, he’s now in the same backfield as Lamar Jackson. Defenses need to pay attention to Jackson’s running skills, which should soften them up for a Henry pounding.

Jones-Drew explains why he placed Henry near the top of the NFL top backs list: “In each of the last five seasons, the Ravens’ leading rusher has been … a quarterback. As good as Lamar Jackson is in the run game — it’s no wonder Baltimore has fielded a top-three ground attack every season since drafting the dynamic dual-threat — Henry adds a physical, downhill element that will take the offense to the next level. The 6-foot-2, 247-pounder is one of the best backs of his generation, and the Ravens know “King Henry” can practically hit 1,000 yards in his sleep. This is the perfect spot for the 30-year-old to add to his already-illustrious career.

3. Breece Hall Jets

Imagine if Aaron Rodgers stay healthy. He can throw to the likes of Garrett Wilson and hand off to Breece Hall. It’s no stretch to put Hall near the top of an NFL list of best backs.

“Hall has the goods to be the best back in the league,” Jones-Drew wrote. “We’ve seen glimpses of greatness in his first two seasons, including early in his rookie campaign, when it felt like he was shot out of a cannon every time he touched the ball. Now, nearly two years removed from the knee injury that prematurely ended his potent debut season, Hall is set up for success, with the Jets’ offseason investment in the offensive line and Aaron Rodgers’ return from injury. This will be a huge year for No. 20.”

4. Kyren Williams Rams

The former Notre Dame star snuck up on folks last season, gaining 1,144 yards with a dozen touchdowns, playing in 12 games. He also had nice hands, catching 32 passes out of the backfield.

Why does Jones-Drew place this Rams star ahead of so many other top NFL backs? He explains. “Williams far exceeded expectations in 2023, racking up 100-plus scrimmage yards in nine of 12 regular-season games played and finishing behind only Christian McCaffrey and Derrick Henry in total rushing yards. A perfect fit in Sean McVay’s offense, Williams should build on his breakout campaign — IF he can just stay healthy.”

5. Saquon Barkley Eagles

This was definitely the off season for some of the top NFL running backs to switch zip codes. Barkley left the Giants and switched to the Eagles, their NFC East rival. The Giants reportedly didn’t try to match the Eagles offer. And like Henry does in Baltimore, Barkley is playing alongside an athletic quarterback in Jalen Hurts.

“It’s going to take a game or two to get used to seeing Saquon in an Eagles uniform,” says Jones-Drew. “But it should be exciting from the jump. The expectations are high for a rushing attack that features Barkley, who put up 1,200-plus scrimmage yards in four of six seasons with the Giants, and dual-threat quarterback Jalen Hurts. I know there are a lot of mouths to feed in an offense that also boasts A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith and Dallas Goedert, but Barkley is a special player whom the Eagles know well. He’ll get plenty of opportunities.

6. Raheem Mostert Dolphins

Mostert found a second wind with the Dolphins and their ultra-fast offense. He rushed for 1,012 yards with 18 touchdowns last season.

“The Dolphins have a loaded backfield,” says Jones-Drew. “But Mostert should again be the lead dog in Mike McDaniel’s ground attack, a scheme the 32-year-old back has a lot of experience in. Last season, the veteran logged more than 1,000 rushing yards for the first time in his career and scored more total touchdowns (21) than in his first eight seasons combined (19). The Pro Bowler will have to share the load with De’Von Achane and potentially fourth-round rookie Jaylen Wright, who led FBS running backs with 7.4 yards per carry in 2023 (min. 125 carries). This team has no shortage of home run hitters.”

7. Jahmyr Gibbs Lions

Gibbs was one of two running backs selected in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. And he earned his draft status by gaining 945 yards. Note that he rotates with David Montgomery. So he’s an up-and-coming back trying to get to the top of the NFL list.

“The Lions had one of the best backfields in the league in 2023,” Jones-Drew wrote. “Things should be no different this fall with both Gibbs and David Montgomery back in the fold. They should again share the load, but Gibbs gets the nod here because of what he did when the veteran was sidelined last season. As a rookie, Gibbs averaged 112 scrimmage yards per game in the three games Montgomery missed, while Montgomery averaged 81 scrimmage yards per game in the two games Gibbs missed. Gibbs, who also showed out in the postseason, is a special player with home run potential whenever he has the ball.”

8. Bijan Robinson Falcons

Robinson was the first back selected in last year’s draft. So does this back belong near the top of the best runners in the NFL? Jones-Drew says yes. With Kirk Cousins at quarterback, this should only help Robinson.

“While the Falcons brought in a lot of new faces this offseason, the backfield returns Robinson and Tyler Allgeier,” Jones-Drew wrote. He said the duo “could take a back seat to the passing attack with the addition of Kirk Cousins, but also one that should still lead a top-10 rushing unit. Robinson is the clear front-runner to get a majority of the touches this season and should build on his solid rookie campaign. “

9. Jonathan Taylor Colts

The presence of Taylor helped steady a Colts offense after they lost starting quarterback Anthony Richardson to a shoulder injury. And the athletic Richardson also can help Taylor this season, which could the back at the top of the NFL running heap.

“Taylor has the ability to be the best running back in the NFL — as we saw back in 2021, when he led the league in carries (332), yards (1,811) and rushing touchdowns (18),” Jones-Drew wrote. “Unfortunately, injuries have hindered the 25-year-old over his last two seasons, forcing him to miss 13 games while limiting him to 1,602 rush yards and 11 rush TDs in that span. Taylor is healthy entering 2024, leading me to believe he can indeed regain yesteryear’s form and return to the top of the RB ranks.”

10. Josh Jacobs Packers

Like Henry and Barkley, Jacobs also needed to send out change-of-address cards. The 2022 NFL rushing champion switched to the Packers rather than staying with the Raiders.

“There’s a lot to be excited about when it comes to Green Bay’s offense,” Jones-Drew said. “And the addition of Jacobs is near the top of that list. The former Raider is coming off a down year, but his ceiling is sky high in Matt LaFleur’s offense. He’ll also help take some pressure off quarterback Jordan Love, who’s under pressure to perform after signing a BIG extension this offseason, thanks to his ability to dominate between the tackles and control the clock.”

Here are more who top the best back list in NFL

11. D’Andre Swift Bears
12. James Cook Bills
13. Alvin Kamara Saints
14. Travis Etienne Jaguars
15. Aaron Jones Vikings
16. Rachaad White Buccaneers
17. Najee Harris Steelers
18. Kenneth Walker III Seahawks
19. Gus Edwards Chargers
20. Isiah Pacheco Chiefs
21. Joe Mixon Texans
22. Rhamondre Stevenson Patriots
23. James Conner Cardinals
24. Zamir White Raiders
25. Ezekiel Elliott Cowboys
26. Javonte Williams Broncos
27. Nick Chubb Browns
28. Austin Ekeler Commanders
29. Tony Pollard Titans
30. Jonathon Brooks Panthers
31. Zack Moss Bengals
32. Devin Singletary Giants

You may check out all of Jones-Drew’s rankings of the top NFL backs by clicking here. And, you can catch up on all of the On3 coverage of the NFL by clicking here.