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The NFL's highest-graded running backs on receiver routes

Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) runs against San Francisco 49ers linebacker NaVorro Bowman (53) during the second half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Nov. 29, 2015. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)

Over the next few weeks, the majority of the league's offensive coordinators will be spending countless man-hours devising new and creative ways to create mismatches in the passing game. And while such on-field advantages can be manufactured in a number of ways (motion, play-action, RPOs, etc.), the smartest offensive minds will realize that splitting out running backs to the slot or out wide and utilizing them as a legitimate receiving option has proven to be an incredibly valuable and efficient way to move the football.

Let's take a look at the running backs who are set to make their offensive coordinator's job a whole lot easier this upcoming season. Here are the five highest-graded running backs on wide receiver routes.

[Editor's note: To make this list, the back must have run at least 100 routes from the slot/outside wide receiver position over the last three regular seasons. Sign up today to gain access to grades, signature stats and much more!]

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