While the NFL may now be considered a passing league, there’s still no doubting the importance of the tailback position.
Running backs can turn good offenses into elite ones. They can also help the progression of young quarterbacks transitioning into the NFL.
Many of the players below will hit the market. That's a good thing in the sense that there will be running back talent available. On the other hand, their availability highlights the fact that for most, there are significant issues at play; questions of health predominant amongst them.
1. Ahmad Bradshaw, New York Giants
Age as of September 1st 2011: 25
2010 Grade: +17.8
Key Stat: Received a +10.5 grade in pass protection which was more than double the second ranked player
Behind the numbers: Bradshaw is one of the most complete backs in the NFL. He’s good when he runs the football, can hold his own in the receiving department, and is by far the league's best in pass protection, allowing just three pressures in 159 plays when kept in to block. That said, he also led the league in fumbles (along with Peyton Hillis) and has had injury issues in the past.
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2. DeAngelo Williams, Carolina Panthers
Age as of September 1st 2011: 28
2010 Grade: +0.9
Key Stat: Forced 58 missed tackles in just 614 snaps in 2008
Behind the numbers: Williams is simply an unstoppable runner when he’s on the field. That’s obviously the problem though; he’s rarely healthy. After finishing 2008 with our top overall running back grade, he has played just 680 snaps in the past two years. It isn’t very often a guy of Williams’ running ability hits the market, but it will be interesting to see how highly he is valued considering the amount of time he’s missed.
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3. Michael Bush, Oakland Raiders
Age as of September 1st 2011: 27
2010 Grade: +7.4
Key Stat: 423 of his 591 yards in 2009 were after contact
Behind the numbers: Though his yards after contact on the ground slid a bit in 2010, Bush has developed into a three down back: again impressive in pass protection, and a proven capable receiver. He has shown the ability to get tough yards (averaged 3.4 yards after contact in 2009) and find the end zone so, with more of an opportunity, he could establish himself as a true number one.
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4. Darren Sproles, San Diego Chargers
Age as of September 1st 2011: 28
2010 Grade: +7.4
Key Stat: Averaged 3.1 yards after contact in 2010
Behind the numbers: Sproles may well be an underutilized player. While it is smart to keep him fresh, it also seems he deserves more than the 424 snaps he was afforded in 2010. He’s a better rusher than given credit, averaging 5.4 yards per carry in 2010 so may be more suited playing in a rotation than purely as a third down back. That said, Sproles is probably the best player at that role in the league. Considering his contribution on special teams, he should be highly sought after.
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5. Joseph Addai, Indianapolis Colts
Age as of September 1st 2011: 28
2010 Grade: +4.7
Key Stat: Played just 32.4% of Indianapolis' offensive snaps in 2010
Behind the numbers: It seems like there’s a recurring theme with this group of free agent running backs. Like many of the others, Addai was hurt in 2010. His didn't just struggle to get on the field, when he was active, he dropped three passes and added only 2.6 yards after contact on the ground. With early pick Donald Brown having an even tougher season, it will be interesting to see how the Colts handle the situation.
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6. Vonta Leach (FB), Houston Texans
Age as of September 1st 2011: 29
2010 Grade: +5.2
Key Stat: Received a +12.3 grade blocking in 2008
Behind the numbers: His 2008 season as a lead blocker was absolutely phenomenal, and, after a down year in 2009, Leach nearly bounced back to the form we expected this season. He’s perfect for a traditional run-first offense as he excels in the ground game and his possible suitors should recognize that Foster wasn’t the only reason the Texans ran the ball so well in 2010.
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7. Kevin Smith, Detroit Lions
Age as of September 1st 2011: 24
2010 Grade: +3.0
Key Stat: Has had a grade of greater than +3.0 in each of the major categories so far in his career
Behind the numbers: Smith has the potential to be a complete back. In 2008, he showed his ability as a rusher, forcing 32 missed tackles. His pass protection and route running took a massive leap in year two but his productivity on the ground seemingly suffered as a result. If Smith can put it all together, he has the potential to be a franchise rusher. At worst, he could be a very good complementary addition.
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8. Brandon Jackson, Green Bay Packers
Age as of September 1st 2011: 25
2010 Grade: +9.0
Key Stat: Allowed just three disruptions in 105 pass blocks
Behind the numbers: Jackson fits three and four wide receiver sets perfectly: he’s a Top 5 back in the receiving department and does a great job in pass protection. Truthfully, he wasn’t the best fit for Green Bay and should probably seek an opportunity elsewhere. Although his rushing numbers aren’t great, he’s not as bad as advertised and did flash in that department in 2008 when he averaged 3.5 yards after contact.
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9. BenJarvis Green-Ellis, New England Patriots
Age as of September 1st 2011: 26
2010 Grade: -0.7
Key Stat: Averaged just 4.5 yards after catch
Behind the numbers: “The law firm” struggles mightily in the passing game and is one of the poorest pass protectors amongst running backs, but he makes up for that with his rushing productivity. Green-Ellis likely fits best with a run-first team that can emphasize his ability with the ball in his hands. His 13 touchdowns and 20 forced missed tackles in 442 snaps speak for themselves.
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10. Mewelde Moore, Pittsburgh Steelers
Age as of September 1st 2011: 29
2010 Grade: +4.0
Key Stat: Forced six missed tackles in just 26 receptions
Behind the numbers: Moore is another typical third down back: he blocks well and has some flash after the catch but doesn’t offer a whole lot on the ground. He's not inept in that department, but just isn't strong enough to hang your hat on him as a an every-down rusher. He does, however, carry the added bonus of being effective in short yardage situations.
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